Evaluating the Orlando Debut of Portland’s Regular Season Opponents

Now that each of the Portland Trail Blazers 8 opponents have played their opening scrimmage, here are some takeaways from their first bubble performances.

While we are still almost a week out from regular season play, each of the 22 teams participating in Orlando have now capped their first of three scrimmages. As the Portland Trail Blazers prepare it’s newly healthy squad for a playoff run, each of their upcoming opponents find themselves in different situations as the season return approaches. While it’s far too soon to make any long term assumptions following one weekend of scrimmages, there is still something to learn in reviewing early performances. In looking at the Blazers’ eight remaining regular-season opponents, here are some initial notes from their first action in Orlando.

Memphis Grizzlies – Young but Fearless

Despite losing their first scrimmage 83-90 against Philadelphia, the Memphis Grizzlies showed no regression since they last played, continuing their scrappy, hard-fighting style. After a slow, 28 point first half, the Grizzlies racked up 34 points in the third quarter alone, thanks to a fast-paced offense and their only three-point shooting hot streak of the game. While Ja Morant shot just 3-12 from the floor, his added weight seemed to give him even more control in the air, taking multiple bumps throughout the night. All in all, Memphis’ poor shooting appeared to be the deciding factor in Friday’s scrimmage. Considering this has not been a significant problem throughout the season, this inexperienced Memphis team will likely look much more like themselves after a bit more practice.

Boston Celtics – Nothing New

In Boston’s 84-98 loss to Oklahoma City, coach Brad Stevens’ main goal seemed to be giving everyone touches on the ball, with all Celtic players tallying double-digit minutes. Despite only playing together for about a quarter of the game, Boston’s starting lineup certainly maintains its status as one of the most athletic in the league. From point guard Marcus Smart to center Daniel Theis, the Celtics boast agility and quickness, often blowing by the Thunder Friday night. One point of potential weakness lies in their post-game, as Theis and power forward Jaylen Brown do not make for the most imposing frontcourt. Look no further than Steven Adams 17 points in 15 minutes, and it’s clear to see why they struggle against the league’s biggest players.

Houston Rockets – No Center, No Problem?

In their 83-94 loss to the Toronto Raptors, James Harden and Russell Westbrook looked as explosive and dominant as ever. Everything that has been said and written about them remains valid even after a four-month hiatus. Love them, hate them, there’s no denying they remain one of the league’s best tandems.

More noticeably, was Houston’s inability to guard the paint. While more and more teams are turning to smaller lineups, no one has gone as far as Houston, virtually eliminating the center position from rotation. While this speeds an already fast-paced Mike D’Antoni lead offense, it puts the Rockets in danger every time their opponent slows the game down, as seen against Toronto. Despite each playing only a quarter and a half, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka combined for 31 points, with Ibaka shooting 8-10 from the field.

After trading Clint Capela and adopting the new small lineup, Houston was still able to maintain a winning record. However, with upcoming games against Dallas, Milwaukee, Portland, and the Lakers, the Rockets will face four straight teams who can play multiple seven-footers at the same time. Look to see if the team makes any changes over their final two scrimmage games.

Denver Nuggets – They Got Seven-Footers

One of the most eye-catching lineups in the first round of scrimmages came from Denver, where coach Michael Malone started Mason Plumlee (C), Paul Millsap (PF), Bol Bol (SF), Jerami Grant (SG), and All-Star big man Nikola Jokic (PG). While slotting Jokić at the point is an unprecedented move, his ball skills and court vision make him the perfect replacement while Jamal Murray rests a sore hamstring. What was even more astonishing was 7’3″ Bol Bol’s starting role as Small Forward. There was certainly nothing small about Bol Bol’s debut, whose 7’8″ wingspan helped him earn six blocks and ten rebounds while going 6-14 for 16 points. In perhaps the most perfect display of potential for the young man, Bol Bol captivated fans with this block to a pull up three play.

Los Angeles Clippers – Welcome Back, Noah

In their 99-90 win against the Magic, the selfless Clippers looked as team-centric as ever. Despite only earning 21 assists, their top-notch off-ball movement resulted in several easy buckets throughout the night.

Arguably the only significant recent change to their team comes in the form of Joakim Noah, the 35-year-old former All-Star who signed a 10-Day contract with the team back in March. After being unable to make his debut due to the coronavirus outbreak, Noah finally donned the Clippers jersey Wednesday night, starting at center.

Earning 4 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 15 minutes, Noah was able to dust the cobwebs off and quickly fall into the rhythm of the game. While big men Montrezl Harrell and Ivica Zubac will be arriving in the bubble shortly, Noah’s size and experience should boost an already skilled Clippers frontcourt.

Philadelphia 76ers – Change Can Be Good

Like Portland, Philadelphia has to be returning to play with a surge of optimism and confidence. Before the season’s pause, Ben Simmons had been ruled out indefinitely due to back injury, and the team had fallen to sixth in the East, going 5-5 in their last ten outings. Now, with both a healthy Simmons and Joel Embiid, Philadelphia has the tools to make it out the East.

Their Friday night 90-83 victory against Memphis allowed the team to debut what is believed to be their new starting lineup. Instead of returning Simmons to his guard role, coach Brett Brown slotted the 6’10” player in the more traditional power forward position, starting Shake Milton at the point instead. While one game offers very little to study, this new system seems to have great potential for the team. In his guard role, Simmons struggled to make the most out of both he and Embiid’s talent, their guard-center connection never reaching optimal level. In their debut as a frontcourt duo, they combined for 19 points and 13 rebounds, spacing the floor well, both scoring from beyond the arc. Even while playing the four, Simmons tallied nine assists in 22 minutes, proving his vision will not go unused in his big man role.

Although Shake Milton only recorded six points and three assists in 17 minutes, it is consistent, steady numbers the team will need of him. Between Simmons, Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Al Horford, the Sixers have enough firepower that as long as Milton can facilitate and hit the open buckets, Philadelphia is poised to make noise when the real deal games get going.

Dallas Mavericks – No Major Weaknesses

While the Mavs’ 108-104 victory against the Lakers Thursday evening should not be overhyped, their impressive return cannot be ignored entirely. Dallas looked like a real overall team, giving their reserves more minutes than the starters, with backup center Boban Marjanovic posting a team-high 23 minutes, along with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Dallas benefits from both a tall roster and one that can shoot the ball well. Starters Seth Curry and Tim Hardaway Jr. are both averaging over 40% from behind the arc this season, with Seth’s 8-8 three-point shooting Thursday night reminding the league that there is a Curry brother in the bubble. Combine that with Kristaps Porzingis ever-improving range, and Luka Doncic’s ever-improving, well everything, and the Mavericks look to be as good as they have been since the early 2010s.

Brooklyn Nets – Better Luck in 2021

Continuing a pattern that has lasted all season, Brooklyn once again found itself short in their 68-99 loss to the Pelicans Wednesday night. Jamal Crawford, Justin Anderson, nor Tyler Johnson made their Brooklyn debut after each signing with the team earlier this summer. Joe Harris was also absent from the game, however with no injury listed, it seems he simply had a rest day.

Without their 2019 signee trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Deandre Jordan, the Nets are not seen as a 2020 contender by any stretch of the imagination. While they still have two more scrimmages to work on team chemistry, Brooklyn seems to be without enough firepower to make any noise in Orlando.