For the majority of the 2014–15 season, the Portland Trail Blazers were looking like a force to be reckoned with in the brutally strong Western Conference.
Then the injury bug hit, and hit Portland hard. Things went awry when Wesley Matthews tore his left Achilles tendon in early March, ending his strong campaign prematurely. Matthews’s replacement, Arron Afflalo suffered a shoulder injury in the final week of the season, and his status is uncertain for game one.
Mascot-abuser Robin Lopez missed substantial time while bench player Dorell Wright is also lost for the season. Finally, let’s not forget that workhorse big man LaMarcus Aldridge has been playing through a nagging thumb injury for a good chunk of the season, and more recently, a sprained foot.
If there’s any opponent a banged-up team probably wants to avoid, it’s the Memphis Grizzlies, and that’s exactly who Portland draws in its opening series.
The Trail Blazers were the league’s third-best team at home this season, but despite occupying the fourth seed, they will not enjoy home-court advantage in the first round. Their 19-22 record on the road will make it tough for them to hang with the bruising Grizzlies.
Memphis is built for the post-season, possessing a punishing interior attack with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, while boasting the NBA’s fourth-most efficient defence. The Grizzlies whimpered down the stretch, but still figure to do some damage in the second season.
Marquee matchup: LaMarcus Aldridge vs. Zach Randolph
Despite battling through the injuries previously alluded to, Aldridge enjoyed another dominant season, earning a spot on his fourth consecutive all-star team. The second overall pick in the 2006 draft (one spot behind Andrea Bargnani), posted the highest scoring average of his career at 23.4 while corralling more than 10 rebounds per game. He also developed a reliable three-point game, connecting on 35 percent of his attempts from deep.
Opposing him will be Randolph, a 33-year-old veteran whose final season in Portland came during Aldridge’s rookie year. Randolph had another steady campaign in Tennessee, averaging a double-double of 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest. He also posted the team’s second-highest player efficiency rating.
Role player to watch – Portland: Robin Lopez
Often the forgotten of the two Lopez twins, Robin has enjoyed a very steady career. In his 28 minutes of run, Lopez averaged 9.6 points and 6.7 rebounds on an efficient 54 percent shooting. The California native will need to gear up for a grueling battle with Gasol in the post.
Role player to watch – Memphis: Nick Calathes
Memphis has some nagging injuries to key players as well, one of them being to starting point guard Mike Conley. If the former Ohio St. Buckeye isn’t ready for game one, or is unable to go full steam, Calathes will see substantial minutes at the one spot. He’ll be tasked with attempting to guard Blazers’ all-star Damian Lillard, who is known to take over late in ball games.
Season series: Grizzlies won 4-0.
Trail Blazers stats leaders:
Points: LaMarcus Aldridge (23.4)
Assists: Damian Lillard (6.2)
Rebounds: LaMarcus Aldridge (10.2)
Grizzlies stats leaders:
Points: Marc Gasol (17.4)
Assists: Mike Conley (5.4)
Rebounds: Zach Randolph (10.5)
Prediction: Grizzlies in six
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