Blazer Beef
The Blazers defense in the first half against the Bobcats was pretty bad.
No matter how good Al Jefferson is, the Blazers had no business allowing the Bobcats bottom-five offense to go to work on them in the first half like they did. Charlotte scored 69 points in the first half with Jefferson and point guard Kemba Walker leading the way.
Some might say the Bucks game should be here but in the end, Portland still won. Their loss in Charlotte was embarrassing, no matter how far the Bobcats have come this season.
Blazer Bravo
Nicolas Batum’s continued work on the boards is still incredible. He’s been playing both forward positions more than normal and still carrying the same ball-handling and playmaking duties.
He’s also had to score even more with Aldridge out and he has delivered their too.
Dorell Wright is also starting to find his groove more and more on the offensive end. He had a bad 0/8 game against Milwaukee but bounced back with solid games in the next two games.
By The Numbers
6 — How many consecutive games LaMarcus Aldridge has missed since his hard fall against San Antonio.
12 — How many games the Blazers have left in the season.
The Week Ahead
Monday at Miami (4 p.m. on CSNNW and NBATV): The Blazers visit the two-time champs who have lost six of 10. No Aldridge return for this one.
Tuesday at Orlando (4 p.m. on CSNNW): Victor Oladipo is still in the race for 2014 Rookie of The Year.
Thursday at Atlanta (4:30 p.m. on CSNNW): The Hawks are in a holding pattern for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs despite not having All-Star Al Horford since late December.
Friday at Chicago (5 p.m. on CSNNW): The Bulls have had the best record in the league since the New Year. Head coach Tom Thibodeau and Joakim Noah continue proving how indispensable they are.
Sunday vs. Memphis (6 p.m. on KGW and NBATV): The Grizzlies have dominated the Blazers in consecutive outings and are looking like a lock for the playoffs.
