2015 NBA Playoffs: Trail Blazers’ first round opponent breakdown
By David MacKay
Dec 22, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Rockets
The Rockets remain one of the toughest teams in the NBA. All-Star James Harden is having an MVP-level season, leading the league in points by a yawning chasm of a margin. Yet, despite Houston’s daunting record and a relatively pedestrian remaining schedule, they are not without their weaknesses.
APR 10 vs. SAS (53-26)
APR 12 vs. NOP (42-36)
APR 13 @ CHO (33-45)
APR 15 vs. UTA (36-42)
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Power forward Donatas Motiejunas just had season-ending back surgery. Neither he nor starting point guard Patrick Beverley (wrist) will play until the 2015-16 season. If the Rockets are unable to make successful adjustments in the immediate future, there is ample room for them to fall into the Trail Blazers’ range over their remaining four-game stretch.
This would probably be a best case scenario for the Trail Blazers, who are playing shorthanded themselves. Without Wesley Matthews (Achilles), Dorell Wright (hand), and possibly Arron Afflalo (shoulder), their best bet at advancing in the playoffs is to meet a team as stunted as they are.
Next: Potential first round opponent #3