Game 15: Portland vs New Orleans 5:00pm SNW/NBATV

[Brandon-Clyde]

vs




Time: 5:00pm
Place: New Orleans
TV: SNW/NBATV

GLB of the game Adrianne Palicki

Spoiler:

[zzaj]

Hopefully my favorite rookie will get some minutes...Nickeil Alexander-Walker. But what I'd really love is to see Whiteside play like the biggest, strongest player on the court for 35 minutes.

I think the Blazers will win this one. (knock, knock, knock)

[DusterBuster]

Just announced that Dame is out for tonights game with back spasms. Apparently he's been having issues with it since the Toronto game.

[acidfrehley]

Expecting a great game from Ant.

[Wizenheimer]

Dame is out, but it's not like the Pels are healthy:

Lonzo Ball - Ball is listed as questionable for Tuesday's (Nov. 19) game against the Trail Blazers.
Derrick Favors - (Lower Back Spasms) - Favors is listed as OUT for Sunday's (Nov. 17) game against the Warriors.
Josh Hart - Hart is listed as OUT for Tuesday's (Nov. 19) game against the Trail Blazers.
Brandon Ingram - Ingram is listed as questionable for Tuesday's (Nov. 19) game against the Trail Blazers.
Frank Jackson - Jackson is listed as questionable for Tuesday's (Nov. 19) game against the Trail Blazers.
Darius Miller - Miller is not expected to play this season as he recovers from a ruptured right Achilles tendon
Jahlil Okafor - (Left Ankle) - Okafor is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's (Nov. 19) game against the Trail Blazers
Zion Williamson - Williamson underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn right meniscus and is expected to miss an estimated six to eight weeks

even without Dame, the Blazers should win....of course, that was the thinking just before the game with Golden State

[ducler]

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[PDXKnight]

Expecting a great game from Ant.

Yup, but I wonder who our backup is now? Hesonija plays very well at Pg supposedly

Melo is playing yes?

[DusterBuster]

Expecting a great game from Ant.

Yup, but I wonder who our backup is now? Hesonija plays very well at Pg supposedly

Melo is playing yes?

Yep and may start according to Stotts.

[GEE]

My feelings about Melo:

My biggest concern was, what kind of shape he's in. In seeing that video, he actually appears to be in pretty good shape. I was worried about him looking like Shawn Kemp, when he came to Portland.

My other big concern is, How is he used? Was he guaranteed the starting PF spot? Of course we'll never know, but from Stotts' comments when asked, and.... Blazers Game Day just reported he IS starting tonight. I'm skeptical that he wouldn't be better coming off the bench, but also understand the factors, why he won't be. Melo's ego in backing up a rookie, and Stotts' focus on offense vs. focus in defense. Not saying it won't work, but there still is only one basketball, and defense still matters and Little gave us a huge spark in that department. Also, Melo could get as many shots as he wants coming off the bench, sparking that 2nd unit.

Guess we'll see, but I think starting him day one might be a mistake.

[SunsRback4Good]

Melody is about to match Harden point for point and lead the Blazers to a playoff birth.

[DusterBuster]

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[DusterBuster]

Ignoring Melo's age and declining play, does anyone else think it's massively surreal to see Carmelo Anthony in a Blazers jersey?

[JasonStern]

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[DusterBuster]

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TBF, what is he supposed to say? "Nah, if he has a bad game we'll cut him tomorrow afternoon." Dude was brought into the team to be a starter - especially considering the injuries this team has sustained at the forward spots.

[The Sebastian Express]

I've gotta agree with DB. Who else would start at PF? I really love what Little's shown, and I wouldn't mind that, but he's a rookie with shooting issues. The big factor being the shooting issues.

[monopoman]

Woo another road B2B! I swear I don't recall the last time the Blazers played this many B2B games in the first 15 games of the season this has to be a record.

[DusterBuster]

I've gotta agree with DB. Who else would start at PF? I really love what Little's shown, and I wouldn't mind that, but he's a rookie with shooting issues. The big factor being the shooting issues.

Yeah, as much as I like what we've seen from him early, he's still a pretty big liability. Teams aren't even attempting to guard him. So while there's still a chance of turning around the season, I'd like to see the best players we have on the floor starting. If the season becomes lost by January, then look at putting him back in and cutting Melo to allow him to go elsewhere (assuming he's shown enough to get on with another team).

If they can't turn the season around by then, pack it in, give all the youngs every minute they can handle, let Nurk use the whole year for rehab and give Dame and CJ some much needed rest to reset for next season.

[d-train]

Ignoring Melo's age and declining play, does anyone else think it's massively surreal to see Carmelo Anthony in a Blazers jersey?

There is no issue with Melo's declining play. The issue with Melo is one that occurs with many former star players who are so skilled that they are high-level NBA players even after loss of athleticism that accompanies aging. Melo needs to accept a reduced role to supplement Lillard rather than to play as if the game plan is for him to take the lead as was the case previously his whole life. Anthony may or may not start or finish games. Anthony may or may not have any plays called for him. Anthony may get 0 shots or 15 shots. He has to be open to do whatever he is asked to do to help the players who are the primary options. If Melo can handle this, he will be awesome for the Blazers. The problem is a lot of former superstars can't make this transition.

[Brandon-Clyde]

1st quarter GLB pic

Spoiler:

[TKainZero]

I’m excited to see Simmons get the start.

But there is going to be a lot of people tuning in to see Melo tonight.