Game 72: Portland vs Denver 6:00pm SNW

[DaVoiceMaster]

Today worked out about as good as it could have. Perhaps it could have been a tad better had the Lakers lost and the Clippers won, but I'm not really sure that matters much. Well done Blazers and Clippers.

[PDXKnight]

Something to consider. This will be the healthiest the Blazers have entered the playoffs in years( I believe since the year Dame hit the series winner with 0.9 seconds vs Houston)

Yup and unlike last year (i know houston series was more like 5 years ago, just was referring to our composition in 2020 in general) Kanter gives us a better shot in the post season specifically when it comes to having big bodies in the playoffs against this jokic led attack. I really like our chances if Nurk and Kanter by committee can keep Jokic from having anything much more than his season averages. Denver will need to play Jokic 42 MPG, he will get tired legs and i have a feeling Nurk/Kanter by committee match Jokic pretty closely and our guards do their usual leading to Portland in 6 but hey why do i know?

That's why we picked up JaVale McGee, not only can he give a decent defensive effort while Jokic rests, he does have some good playoff experience to bring to the table. Remember he's got more championship rings than the rest of both rosters.

It’s good to have guys with rings for sure but let’s be honest he wasn’t exactly the difference in those teams winning the gold for the most part

[Norm2953]

Should be a hard fought, competitive series, going at least six and probably seven. The injury to Murray
gives Portland a chance. Likely the Nuggets should be favored for they have the home court for a potential
game seven.

[JasonStern]

Should be a hard fought, competitive series, going at least six and probably seven. The injury to Murray
gives Portland a chance. Likely the Nuggets should be favored for they have the home court for a potential
game seven.

Bill Walton likes our chances provided Denver rests key players and we put up 130+ points a game ala last night.

[DaVoiceMaster]

What's wrong with Will Barton? Will he play?

Has Zach Collins started practicing at all?

[Matt800]

What's wrong with Will Barton? Will he play?

Has Zach Collins started practicing at all?

Zach said he's on a 4-6 month timeline and they are thinking closer to 6 months. Late June is 6 months.

Sounds like Barton has had a strained hamstring since late April. I haven't seen any official details, but their coach called it a "pretty significant hamstring strain." If it's a grade 2 strain, I read those tend to be 4-8 weeks of rest. So unless it was less severe, he wouldn't be ready at the start of this series. Hamstrings aren't something to rush so I'd guess he'd want to have a decent amount of rehab and practice in to know he's ready after the rest period.

[DaVoiceMaster]

What's wrong with Will Barton? Will he play?

Has Zach Collins started practicing at all?

Zach said he's on a 4-6 month timeline and they are thinking closer to 6 months. Late June is 6 months.

Sounds like Barton has had a strained hamstring since late April. I haven't seen any official details, but their coach called it a "pretty significant hamstring strain." If it's a grade 2 strain, I read those tend to be 4-8 weeks of rest. So unless it was less severe, he wouldn't be ready at the start of this series. Hamstrings aren't something to rush so I'd guess he'd want to have a decent amount of rehab and practice in to know he's ready after the rest period.

Thanks Dude. Was hoping Collins would be back in time to face the Lakers if they advance.
Could use another big to face Davis and Slide Melo down to guard LeBron, just like last season.

[Matt800]

What's wrong with Will Barton? Will he play?

Has Zach Collins started practicing at all?

Zach said he's on a 4-6 month timeline and they are thinking closer to 6 months. Late June is 6 months.

Sounds like Barton has had a strained hamstring since late April. I haven't seen any official details, but their coach called it a "pretty significant hamstring strain." If it's a grade 2 strain, I read those tend to be 4-8 weeks of rest. So unless it was less severe, he wouldn't be ready at the start of this series. Hamstrings aren't something to rush so I'd guess he'd want to have a decent amount of rehab and practice in to know he's ready after the rest period.

Thanks Dude. Was hoping Collins would be back in time to face the Lakers if they advance.
Could use another big to face Davis and Slide Melo down to guard LeBron, just like last season.

NP. Yeah it would be a great addition to the season to have a positive comeback story with Collins playing well at some point.

Also I have no idea what will happen with Barton. I think Bradley Beal is playing with a not 100% hamstring. But I think Bartons was much more significant so who knows how that will affect the decisions.

[d-train]

I don't know what's more satisfying. The Lakers fighting for their playoff lives in a 1-game playoff against Curry and the Warriors, and possibly a 1-game elimination against Grizzlies. Or, the NBA sweating the potential loss of revenue because of their lamebrained play-in scheme.