Oct. 12, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) , forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) , forward Nicolas Batum (88) , and forward Luke Babbitt (8) react on the bench during the game against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

The Portland Trail Blazers will play in the second game of a back-to-back tonight when they travel to Texas to take on James Harden and the new-look Houston Rockets. The Rockets were one of many teams which have had major roster overhauls, capped off with a blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and a host of first and second-round picks to Oklahoma City for James Harden and a few other pieces.

Blazers Starting 5: PG Damian Lillard, SG Wesley Matthews, SF Nicolas Batum, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, C J.J. Hickson
Rockets Starting 5: PG Jeremy Lin, SG James Harden, SF Chandler Parsons, PF Patrick Patterson, C Omer Asik

The first question that comes to mind is whether or not Wesley Matthews will be able to handle James Harden, who’s averaged 41.0 points, 7.0 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals in his first two games as a Rocket. Harden’s been extremely efficient, shooting 63.6 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from three and 87 percent from the line, and the only question circling around his game is “how long can he keep it up?”  Matthews is certainly not a bad defender by any means, but playing with a bone bruise in his right knee could slow him down just a bit, giving the Rockets’ guard a slight edge.

Portland, on the other hand, has a few mismatches they should take advantage of. Patrick Patterson, a second-year player out of Kentucky, will be checking LaMarcus Aldridge, and Jeremy Lin, who’s infamous for his spotty defense, will try to keep up with young Damian Lillard. I haven’t seen enough of Chandler Parsons, but this reinvigorated Nicolas Batum should be able to make a few things happen.

Unfortunately for the Blazers, that’s where the production ends. Without a go-to scorer on their bench, Portland’s stranded once they touch their bench, while the Rockets have Carlos Delfino and a bunch of promising rookies just waiting to leave their mark.

What To Watch For

• Terry Stotts’ defensive scheme will be put to its biggest test tonight with Wesley Matthews checking an always attacking James Harden. Should Matthews get beat, how well have the Blazers practiced their defensive rotating to help him?
• Unless the Rockets opt to put Omer Asik on him, L.A. will have a player of significantly less size and skill guarding him in Patrick Patterso. This could be the night we see Aldridge operate in the post. He’s been stepping out and knocking down those mid range jumpers with ease, but he could really take advantage of his man tonight by show some veteran moves on the block.
• Who will step up off the bench for the Blazers tonight? Will Barton’s only played one minute this season, and neither Victor Claver nor Joel Freeland have seen much play time either. Luke Babbitt did, however, score eight points in nine minutes against OKC, so maybe they’ll go with him for a spark off the bench.

@BriscoXCI | KrisWinfield@gmail.com

Oct. 10, 2012; Ontario, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) goes for a loose ball in front of Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Blake (5) and center Robert Sacre (50) in the second half of the game at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. Portland won 93-75. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

The regular season kicked off last night, and the Portland Trail Blazers will open tonight at the Rose Garden taking on new-look Los Angeles Lakers.

Blazers Starting 5: PG Damian Lillard, SG Wesley Matthews, SF Nicolas Batum, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, C J.J. Hickson
Lakers Starting 5: PG Steve Nash, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Metta World Peace, PF Pau Gasol, C Dwight Howard

Despite their star-studded starting lineup, the Lakers (0-1) are facing questions about the style of offense coach Mike Brown has opted to run. Known as the “Princeton offense,” L.A.’s latest offensive scheme takes the transition game completely out of the picture — the area that Hall of Fame bound PG Steve Nash thrives most in — and forces the offense to get into its sets each time down the floor. As a result, the Lakers lost in their season opener to the Dallas Mavericks, 99-91, and Nash finished with only nine points and four assists in 34 minutes on the court–his worst stat line in over a decade.

“That style of play [Princeton] will keep every team in the game with you,” Kenny “the Jet” Smith said on Inside the NBA after the game. “And Kobe, Steve Nash and Gasol will make big shots in certain games and squeeze out. But they should beat certain teams by 19-20 points that they will never beat by 19-20 points. They will always be in close games when you’re shooting the ball with eight seconds on the shot clock.”

“Princeton, again, never won an NCAA title.”

But while the Lakers figure out their offensive (and defensive) struggles, the Portland Trail Blazers come prepared with a fully re-vamped coaching staff and front office. With the starting lineup now solidified, the Blazers will look to win games by locking up on the defensive end, getting out in transition and, most importantly, drilling shots from beyond the arc. Tonight, we will see what the work-in-progress finished product looks like.

What to Watch For

• The Lakers’ new offense means getting into sets every time, which means if run successfully, coach Stotts’ defense should be fail-proof… sort of. If everyone can hold their ground on the defensive end, the Blazers should be able to give L.A. a hard time. Dwight Howard will have a field day with J.J. Hickson and Meyers Leonard (God bless his soul) on the inside, but some great man defense from LaMarcus Aldridge on Pau Gasol, and a decent effort from Wesley Matthews on the Mamba could be enough to give the Blazers the edge tonight.
• Kobe’s playing hurt, but so is Matthews, and I’d take an injured Mamba over most healthy players in the NBA. If the Lakers are going to win, it’ll likely all be on his shoulders, as usual.
• The Blazers and Lakers are almost polar opposites when it comes to age and speed. If Portland’s wings can get out in transition, the Blazers should be able to stick around for awhile.
• The last time these two teams played, ironically in the Blazers’ pre-season opener, Damian Lillard realized he had the speed advantage over Nash and begun to use it to create shots. Will he use that again tonight?

This is just a really quick rookie ladder that’ll get updated as the season rages on.

Oct 17, 2012; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Victor Claver (18) battles for a loose ball with Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) in the third quarter of the game at the Rose Garden. The Blazers won the game 97-80. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-US

Honorable Mentions: Miles Plumlee: F/C, Indiana Pacers; Arnett Moultrie: F, Philadelphia 76ers; Evan Fournier: G, Denver Nuggets; Moe Harkless (Hernia): F, Orlando Magic

25. Kendall Marshall: Point Guard, Phoenix Suns
Preseason Stats: 3.0 PPG, 3.3 APG, 2.3 RPG
Last 3: 8 pts, 2 ast vs. GSW; 5 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl vs. OKC; 4 ast vs. POR

Kendall Marshall can’t shoot, and that’s always a red flag for point guards. But he’s easily the best passer/playmaker in his draft class and has kept his assist-to-turnover ratio positive by making good decisions.

24. Victor Claver: Forward, Portland Trail Blazers
Preseason Stats: 3.6 PPG, 1.6 RPG
Last 3: 1 stl, 10 min vs. UTAH; 2 pts, 4 reb, 1 stl vs. GSW; 13 pts, 3 reb, 2 stl, 13 min vs. DEN

Victor Claver makes this list solely because of his performance against the Denver Nuggets. He’s been aggressive on defense and has shown an ability to score in a variety of ways.

If you don’t remember him, it’s probably because he was drafted all the way back in 2009.

23. Meyers Leonard: Center, Portland Trail Blazers
Preseason Stats: 6.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.0 BLKPG
Last 3: 8 pts, 4 reb, 1 blk vs. UTAH; 4 pts, 6 reb, 1 blk vs. GSW; 6 pts, 3 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk vs. DEN

Many argued that the Blazers should’ve gone with Tyler Zeller over Meyers Leonard at No. 11, but he does everything Portland needs. He gets into heavy foul trouble (just like Greg Oden), but Leonard has been active on defense, somewhat crashes the boards and is super athletic, especially off the pick-and-roll.

22. Austin Rivers: Guard, New Orleans Hornets
Preseason Stats: 7.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.0 APG
Last 3: 6 pts, 4 ast vs. MIA; 0 pts, 14 min vs. DAL; 11 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl vs. ATL

I’d go out on a limb and call Austin Rivers the least efficient player in this draft class, and I’m probably right. He took 59 shots in the preseason and only nailed sixteen (16) of them—that’s a droplet over 27 percent from the field over eight games.

What makes it worse is that coach Monty Williams is being extremely patient with him. Rivers has played more minutes than any guard drafted with him not named Damian Lillard and only has 7.3 points per game to show for it. He’s quickly falling down my power rankings, and if he doesn’t step it up, he’ll fall right out of it.

21. Terrence Ross: Shooting Guard, Toronto Raptors
Preseason Stats: 6.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG
Last 3: 10 pts, 2 stl vs. MEM; 2 pts, 5 min vs. NYK; 5 pts, 2 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk vs. DET 

I haven’t seen Terrence Ross play yet, but his stats have proven him to be more efficient than Austin Rivers in significantly less playing time.

20. Jeremy Lamb: Shooting Guard, Houston Rockets TRADED TO OKC
Preseason Stats: 6.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 APG
Last 3: 0 pts, 2 reb, 6 min vs. ORL; 5 pts, 3 ast vs. NOH; 2 pts, 1 stl, 12 min vs. MEM 

I love Jeremy Lamb in Oklahoma City. He gets to be on a winning team that will demand nothing but the absolute best from him. This is exactly what he needed for him to get out of his shooting funk.

19. Royce White: Forward, Houston Rockets
Preseason Stats: 2.3 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.0 APG
Last 3: 2 pts, 2 ast, 13 min vs. ORL; 7 pts, 3 reb, 1 blk vs. DAL

I’m probably the only guy who still has faith in Royce White, but he hasn’t gotten playing time to show his skills. He needs to somehow beat his anxiety disorder and travel with the team, but I think that, once he gets settled in, White will become the dominating player we saw at Iowa State.

18. Khris Middleton: Forward, Detroit Pistons
Preseason Stats: 6.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.0 APG
Last 4: 3 pts, 1 ast, 1 stl, 4 min vs. ATL; 5 pts, 3 reb, 10 min vs. MIA; 5 pts, 1 reb, 8 min vs. ORL; 11 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl vs. MIL

I’ve been so impressed with Khris Middleton’s ability to do so much in such a short bit of time. Lawrence Frank absolutely has to give this guy a solid spot in the rotation if he wants the Pistons to start turning the ship around.

17. Tyler Zeller: Center, Cleveland Cavaliers
Pre-Season Stats: 8.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG
Last 3: 13 pts, 7 reb, 1 blk, 1 stl vs. IND; 6 pts, 2 reb vs. PHI; 8 pts, 5 reb vs. ORL

Zeller hasn’t made much happen on defense, but we expected this. He’s a center that can pop out to around 15-18 feet and knock down jumpers. Great for Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters to have someone to dump the ball out to.

16. Dion Waiters: Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
Preseason Stats: 8.6 PPG, 2.1 APG, 2.0 RPG
Last 3: 12 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl vs. IND; 5 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl vs. PHI; 8 pts, 2 ast vs. ORL

Not impressed with Dion Waiters one bit, especially since he skipped the line to get picked up third in the draft. They’ve given him every chance to show what he’s worth, and he still hasn’t lived up to the hype.

I didn’t watch much of him at Syracuse either, so here’s to hoping Cleveland didn’t blow it with their 2012 NBA Draft pick.

15. John Henson: Forward, Miilwaukee Bucks INJURED
Preseason Stats: 7.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.6 BLKPG
Last 3: 4 pts, 1 reb vs. CHI; 12 pts, 6 reb, 4 blk, 4 ast vs. DET; 6 pts, 7 reb, 1 blk vs. CLE

Henson looked so promising until he sprained his left knee. Hopefully he doesn’t lose any of that bounce he had when he gets back to the court.

14. Perry Jones III: Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
Preseason Stats: 9.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG
Last 3: 2 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast vs. DAL; 14 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast vs. CHI; 4 pts, 2 reb, 1 stl vs. DEN

I haven’t seen Perry Jones play once this entire preseason, but the general consensus is that OKC got a steal for him late in the first round. I’ll come back next time with a better analysis after I’ve seen him play a few games.

13. Andre Drummond: Forward/Center, Detroit Pistons
Preseason Stats: 9.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG
Last 3: 13 pts, 10 reb, 2 blk vs. ATL; 2 reb, 9 min vs. MIN; 8 pts, 7 reb vs. CHA

People talk about Andre Drummond the same way they talk about Perry Jones. They can play at a high level if they feel like it. Their stats reflect that same mentality. Some games they put up monster numbers, and the next day, you can’t even find them on the court.

I do think, though, that Drummond will develop into the best center in this draft class.

12. Donatas Motiejunas: Forward-Center, Houston Rockets
Preseason Stats: 9.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG
Last 3: 12 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast vs. ORL; 8 pts, 5 ast, 1 blk vs. DAL; 16 pts, 8 reb vs. SAS

I almost forgot to include Motiejunas in this list because he was picked up in last year’s draft. I had him pegged as a sort of Dirk Nowitzki 2.0, but he’ll have to develop his jumper a lot more before earning that honor.

Motiejunas does many things well. He’ll have to bulk up to avoid getting shoved around down low, but his offensive game is so well-rounded, it more than compensates for his frame. Still, at seven feet and only 22-years old, the Lithuanian big man has a chance to become one of the better shooting bigs in the NBA.

11. Terrence Jones: Power Forward, Houston Rockets
Preseason Stats: 10.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.2 BLKPG
Last 3: 4 pts, 2 blk vs. ORL; 15 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk vs. NOH; 9 pts, 5 reb, 2 blk vs. MEM

Terrence Jones has been a great blue-collar type of player who’s getting his minutes by doing all the grunt work down low. I’d like to see him get a few more looks in the low post, though.

10. Jae Crowder: Forward, Dallas Mavericks
Preseason Stats: 11.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.875 STLPG, 1.6 APG
Last 3: 11 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk vs. CHA; 21 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl vs. OKC; 12 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk vs. NOH

Crowder made a name for himself as a do-it-all kind of guy in the Summer League, and has kept his reputation in tact. He’s rebounding better than some of the bigs drafted next to him and has been a better scorer than many of the bigger named guards picked up in the first round.

Talk about a steal for Dallas.

9. Thomas Robinson: Power Forward, Sacramento Kings
Preseason Stats: 7.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 STLPG
Last 3: 17 pts, 8 reb,1 stl vs. PHX; 6 pts, 4 reb vs. LAL; 8 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl vs. LAL

That is all.

8. Jonas Valanciunas: Center, Toronto Raptors
Preseason Stats: 8.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 BLKPG
Last 3: 15 pts, 7 reb, 1 stl 1 blk vs. MEM; 10 pts, 8 reb, 4 blk, 1 stl vs. MIL; 4 pts, 10 reb, 1 blk vs. NYK 

How many of you guys forgot that Toronto picked up Valanciunas in last year’s draft? He’s been a monster on the boards, and had a sick highlight where he had a monster dunk against the Wizards.

He’ll be a great piece to build around with Terrence Ross, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.

7. Harrison Barnes: Small Forward, Golden State Warriors
Preseason Stats: 10.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG
Last 3: 16 pts, 7 reb, 1 stl vs. PHX; 9 pts, 3 reb vs. LAC; 6 pts, 1 ast vs. POR

Once Harrison Barnes learns to create for himself, he’ll be the best player in this draft. Barnes shoots well, can defend and gets out on breaks, but if there’s a defender in his face (like Nicolas Batum was for Portland), the ball is coming right out of his hands.

6. Jared Sullinger: Forward, Boston Celtics
Preseason Stats: 10.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 
Last 3: 11 pts,6 reb vs. PHI; 10 pts, 8 reb, 1 stl vs. NYK; 12 pts, 6 reb vs. BKN

I was a HUGE Sully fan back when he was at Ohio State, and seeing him destroy all the teams that passed up on him brings nothing but endless joy to my life.

Sullinger’s showed every facet of his game: He’s shot the ball well, posted up and crashed the boards. He’s not an athlete or a shot blocker, but Boston doesn’t need him to be. He’s filling the role of a stretch four very well.

Oct 24, 2012; Uniondale, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Andray Blatche (0) fouls New York Knicks small forward Chris Copeland (14) at the net during the second quarter at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

5. Chris Copeland: Forward, New York Knicks
Preseason Stats: 15.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG
Last 3: 16 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast vs. BKN; 15 pts vs. PHI; 34 pts, 6 reb, 2 stl vs. BOS

Here’s a guy who nobody knew about that came to arguably the biggest market of them all and hijacked the spotlight. The guy’s a 28-year old rookie that defied the odds and made the N.Y. Knicks’ jam-packed roster.

Chris Copeland can fill it up, but like many of the Knicks on the roster, he struggles defensively. With Amar’e Stoudemire out for a couple weeks recovering from a knee injury, we might get an early dosage of Copeland in our diets.

October 19, 2012; Orlando FL, USA; Indiana Pacers center Luke Nevill (26) and power forward Miles Plumlee (13) defend Orlando Magic power forward Andrew Nicholson (44) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

4. Andrew Nicholson: Power Forward, Orlando Magic
Preseason Stats: 10.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.14 BLKPG
Last 3: 5 pts, 7 reb vs. HOU; 5 pts, 6 reb, 1 stl vs. MEM; 18 pts, 2 blk vs. SAS

I don’t know much about Andrew Nicholson, but he’s been great at helping Orlando forget about Dwight Howard. Especially after that 18-point outburst against San Antonio, he and Jameer Nelson will become best friends once he gets set in the rotation.

Oct 15, 2012; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots over Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

3. Bradley Beal: Guard, Washington Wizards
Preseason Stats: 11.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.5 APG
Last 3: 0 pts, 19 min vs. SAS; 9 pts, 4 reb, 3 stl, ast vs. MIA; 10 pts, 4 reb vs. MIL

Brad Beal’s been in attack mode all preseason long which is exactly what John Wallneeds to help get the Wizards back to being relevant in the NBA.

The young Ray Allen comparisons were a bit too extreme, but Beal’s got a cocked-and-loaded rifle that he’s unafraid to fire. Playing next to Wall, he should get plenty of open looks.

Oct 22, 2012; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) speaks with Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts during a break in the third quarter of the game at the Rose Garden. The Blazers won the game 120-114. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-US PRESSWIRE

2. Damian Lillard: Point Guard, Portland Trail Blazers
Preseason Stats: 16.2 PPG, 5.8 APG, 2.5 RPG
Last 3: 12 pts, 5 ast vs. UTAH; 21 pts, 8 ast, 4 reb, 2 stl vs. UTAH; 15 pts, 7 ast vs. GSW

There have been a few menial rookie mistakes here and there, but Damian Lillard has been all that AND a bag of chips (yes, I went there) for the Portland Trail Blazers.

He’s a bit prone to turning the ball over, but Lillard’s shown a poise in running this Blazers team that no other rookie in the draft class has. He can shoot the three, but more importantly, he’s been great at running the pick-and-pop with LaMarcus Aldridge and dumping the ball out at the perfect moment.

Damian Lillard for president, anyone?

Oct 26, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Hornets power forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem (40) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

1. Anthony Davis: Power Forward, New Orleans Hornets
Preseason Stats: 14.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.57 BLKPG
Last 3: 24 pts, 11 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk vs. MIA; 13 pts, 8 reb, 2 stl, 3 blk vs. HOU; 6 pts, 17 reb, 2 blk vs. DAL

We knew he’d make some noise in the NBA once he was selected to travel with Team USA, but Anthony Davis has lived up to and exceeded the hype that latches itself onto a No. 1 overall pick.

The Brow has been incredibly efficient, as any big man should be, but has also shown the ability to help from the weak side and close out on shooters on the wing.

While Lillard will give him a run for his money, Davis is looking like the clear front-runner for the 2013 Rookie of the Year Award.

	Player	Pos.	Team	PER	Chg
1.	Anthony Davis	PF	NOH	16.43
2.	Damian Lillard	PG	POR	14.50
3.	Bradley Beal	G	WSH	10.12
4.	Andrew Nicholson	PF	ORL	9.86
5.	Chris Copeland	F	NYK	11.67
6.	Jared Sullinger	PF	BOS	14.12
7.	Harrison Barnes	F	GSW	8.88	—
8.	Jonas Valanciunas	F/C	TOR	11.83
9.	Thomas Robinson	PF	SAC	9.17	—
10.	Jae Crowder	G/F	DAL	13.88
11.	Terrence Jones	PF	HOU	10.83
12.	Donatas Motiejunas	F/C	HOU	9.83
12,	Andre Drummond	PF/C	DET	12.83	—
13.	Perry Jones III	F	OKC	10.00
14.	John Henson	PF	MIL	9.00
16.	Dion Waiters	G	CLE	5.14
17.	Tyler Zeller	PF/C	CLE	9.71	—
18.	Khris Middleton	G/F	DET	7.00
19.	Royce White	F	HOU	1.25
20.	Jeremy Lamb	G	OKC	7.50	—
21.	Terrence Ross	G/F	TOR	5.2
22.	Austin Rivers	G	NOH	5.86
23.	Meyers Leonard	C	POR	9.57	—
24.	Victor Claver	F	POR	3.8
25.	Kendall Marshall	PG	PHX	4.75

Any questions, comments,or concerns? Leave ‘em below, and I’ll be sure to address them!

Thanks for reading.

@BriscoXCI | KrisWinfield@gmail.com