Russell Westbrook / Thabo Sefolosha / Kevin Durant / Jeff Green / Nenad Krstic
VS.
Andre Miller / Martell Webster / Nicolas Batum / LaMarcus Aldridge / Juwon Howard
Matchup
The matchup everyone (wiff) has been waiting for. A big game for both teams, we're looking to go into the ASG on a feel good six game win streak, Portland probably is looking to at least split the back to back. If it stays close this one could have a playoff type atmosphere, and might even be pertinent in the standings at the end of the year since Portland already took a game from us in OKC.
This is not the same Portland team we saw in November, but they are still dangerous. Andre Miller's better than Steve Blake and has been playing well, Martell Webster / Nicolas Batum are both great defenders who will be guarding Kevin Durant / Russell Westbrook respectively. Webster held KD to his worst game of the year, and Batum's long reach and quick feet will give Russ all sorts of trouble. LaMarcus Aldridge can of course shoot over Jeff Green all day. Juwon Howard's even shooting over 50% and has looked servicable.
The key to this game is to obviousy get Kevin Durant going. He can't have another 3-18 shooting day, we will not have a chance. Second, we must guard the three point line with vigor. Portland has a lot of good three point shooters in the backcourt: Webster, Bayless, Batum, Blake, Fernandez.. they move the ball very well on offense and we'll have to play smart defensively to avoid giving them open looks.
Offensively, I think Nenad Krstic can help a lot on the pick and pop. Juwon Howard isn't exactly, err, mobile. Portland doesn't have a lot of shot blocking with Przybilla / Oden out, so attack the basket and get to the line.
Some Numbers
Kevin Durant's streak of 25 point games will be in serious jeopardy, not only due to the fact that he'll have a good defender on him, but also due to the fact that Portland is one of the slowest teams pace wise, and we're not exactly speedsters either. Possessions will be at a premium in this game, and the whole team must take a quality over quantity attitude toward shot selection.
A Question
Who will step up offensively besides Durant?
