Jan. 10, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) drives to the basket on Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nicolas Batum (88) and Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) during the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Garden. The Blazers won the game 92-90. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
2) Miami Heat – December 28th, Moda Center
How can you leave off an all out war between the Blazers and the defending NBA champions, who happen to feature Greg Oden this year. Oden’s woes have plagued the Blazers since he was drafted in 2007, and now another team stands to gain from Portland’s loss. This development has sparked strong reactions at both ends of the spectrum from Blazer fans and cannot be ignored as one of the most important subplots of their season.
Will Oden remain healthy enough to play? If so, how well? Will he be cheered? Booed? Do the reformed Trail Blazers even stand a chance against the Eastern Conference juggernaut? I can guarantee you that every attentive and capable member of Rip City will be watching this game like a hawk.