Talking Points: Thirty-for-hurting for Blazer fans

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Set your DVRs, Blazers fans. (Then close your eyes).

The latest installment in the terrific ESPN 30th-anniversary series of short films, “30 for 30” tells the story of Sam Bowie. It airs for the first time at 6 p.m. Thursday on ESPNU.

The man the Trail Blazers picked ahead of Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft gave extensive interviews for the film. The comment that has raised eyebrows is Bowie’s admission that he felt pain in his left leg but didn’t tall the Blazers about it.

Given what the Blazers lost by drafting Bowie instead of Jordan, Bowie’s admission is bound to infuriate Blazers fans.

But before cursing Bowie for the Blazers’ misfortune, let’s watch the film. Will it open old wounds for Blazers’ fans? Perhaps. But, if this film lives up to the “30 for 30” tradition, it figures to provide eye-opening perspective.

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The Portland Timbers will open their third Major League Soccer season on March 2 at Jeld-Wen Field against the New York Red Bulls.

Given that the Timbers fans have made Portland a postcard for what MLS wants to become, and given that the Red Bulls are among the leagues marquee franchises, figure the Timbers-Red Bulls match will be on national TV.

The rest of the schedule (including 16 more home dates) will be announced later — which makes it difficult for fans to plan their lives. But at least Timbers’ fans can start counting the days until the Caleb Porter era kicks off.