Trail Blazers, absent key players, face Nets in make-up game

Today at 4:00 p.m. PST, the Portland Trail Blazers play a make-up game against the Brooklyn Nets. This game was originally scheduled for January 26th but was postponed due to the huge winter storm that hit the Northeast. LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, and Chris Kaman were allowed to stay in Portland to rest and the Trail Blazers will need others to step up in order to win their fourth consecutive road game. The Nets are still fighting for a playoff berth and have been playing inspired basketball recently. The game can be seen on CSNNW and heard on Rip City Radio 620 AM.

As the Trail Blazers clinched the Northwest Division and a playoff berth, there was a deep exhale from Rip City. The once plush divisional lead over the Thunder almost evaporated late in the season but the Trail Blazers found a way to win games. As Aldridge noted after the win over the Pelicans on Saturday, tonight’s game included a long flight for just one game. After tonight, the Trail Blazers return to Portland to take on the Timberwolves for one of their final two home games of the regular season. Even though playing the Nets tonight is not ideal, the Trail Blazers need to find a way to win.

Consistency is a word that has long been absent when describing the Trail Blazers’ bench production. With Kaman, Steve Blake, and C.J. McCollum, a consistent group has begun to form. Kaman provides scoring and vital rebounding, while McCollum can score in waves and Blake provides ball security and a deep threat. Now that Matthews is done for the season and Wright doesn’t look likely to recover quickly, the Trail Blazers will need to have players continue to step up when called upon.

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The Trail Blazers would have preferred to play the Nets back in January. At that time, the Nets had lost 10 of their last 12 games and were searching for answers. Now, the Trail Blazers face a focused Nets team determined to hold their playoff spot. Prior to their humiliating loss on Saturday to the Hawks, the Nets had won 10 of their last 12 games. Talk about a shift in opposition for the Trail Blazers, going from a fragile Nets team in January to a playoff poised team in April.

The Trail Blazers defeated the Nets in November with Aldridge and Batum both sidelined. As they face the Nets without Aldridge, Batum, and Kaman, the recipe for success should be clear. Running the offense through Lillard will be the first aspect. In the first meeting of season with the Nets, Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 28 points (8-14 from the field) and 10 assists. He has re-found his groove lately, scoring at least 18 points in each of his last four games. Three of those games include shooting 50.0 percent or better from the field.

Finally, the Trail Blazers must have one or two players play extremely well while keeping the other Lopez brother out of the paint and off the boards. I hope to see McCollum and Afflalo step up tonight in multiple ways. Their play will be key to a Trail Blazers victory tonight. Meyers Leonard could also be a big factor tonight on the boards. Everyone will have a hand in slowing down Lopez. The shorter-haired, not as cool twin has feasted on the Trail Blazers in his career. His 21.9 points per game against the Trail Blazers is his second best against any opponent. He had 21 points and only four rebounds in the first meeting of the season. A little brother vs. brother fun is in store tonight.

Next: What we learned about the Blazers this week