The Pre-Funk: Blazers at Sixers 1/20

The all day coverage you need to go into tonight's contest. We're just making sure you're prepared to drop that extra knowledge on the brosephs to get you another smidgen of respect.

Party Attendees...

If Portland loses tonight in Philadelphia, it will mark the 4th straight for the Sixers. Not something to brag to Momma about if you run in NBA circles. Even with Iverson in the lineup, the Sixers are slightly better, but still considered to be one of the East's worst. So why can't the Blazers dig deep and beat AI #1 and AI #2? I'd say because they struggle defending wreckless offensive gameplanning. What the hell do I mean by that? Let me attempt to explain.

This Portland squad comes off as completely calculated. Every move has a purpose, every play, every defensive set, every possession and every lineup. That's just the way Nate McMillan rolls. However, when a team like the Sixers, Warriors, Clippers, Grizzlies, Nuggets or Hawks are the opponent, the Blazers can't control the game and are forced into uncomfortable situations. When you have no idea what the hell your opponent is going to throw at you, it's pretty hard to prepare and for someone like McMillan who is a preparation addict, you can see where the trouble comes in.

So tonight comes down to control. The Blazers set a tone, slow down the game and force Philly do play methodically, this could be fun. And if Portland lets the AI's run wild, jack up from anywhere, and flaunt around like Johnny Weir, then this might not be so fun.

On Tap...

Hasn't the "LA needs to step up" stuff been covered 10x already? [John Canzano]
Batum coming off the bench initially? Boooo! [Joe Freeman]
Roy "I will play against Philadelphia." [Jason Quick]
Full game preview from Dave. [BlazersEdge]
Enemy coverage #1. [Liberty Ballers]
Enemy coverage #2. [ReclinerGM]

Cheap Shots...

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