Friday, April 3, 2009

Thunder Preview

Tonight’s game versus the Thunder is what I call a trap game. It is easy to get lulled to sleep by OKC’s crappy record and stats, but trust me they can bring it. They beat San Antonio in San Antonio earlier this week. With a young core of Durant, Westbrook, and Green, the are poised to get into the playoff mix next year.

There is a lot going for the Blazers in this game as well though. If we win tonight, and Phoenix loses to Sacramento, the Blazers will clinch a playoff birth for the first time in 5 years. If that isn’t motivation, I don’t know what is. But also the Blazers are playing to avenge the ass whoopin’ the Thunder put on us a few months ago. Hopefully that’s all the motivation this team needs.

Keys to the Game

1. Jump Out Early
We need to get out early and never look back. A lot of teams, not to mention young teams like the Thunder, will roll over and die if you pound them down in the first half. We need to get out and set the tone early that its going to be a long night for the young Thunder.

2. Take Care of the Ball
OKC leads the league in turnovers. Just because they turn the ball over a lot does not make it OK for us to get a little crazy and turn the ball over as well. We need to capitalize on their mistakes.

3. Score 100 points.
This is going to be a faster paced game. OKC likes to push the tempo and will turn the ball over. The Blazers are 24-3 when they score over 100 points, so if they do tonight, I like their chances of winning.

Gambler’s Corner

Blazers -5
Over/Under 191

I am going to take the Blazers and the Under. I think we will score over 100, but I don’t think the Thunder will.

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