Trail Blazers-Mavericks Game 6 NBA Playoffs Preview.

By HD.

If the Trail Blazers demonstrated anything this season, it's that they're not about to let a little challenge throw them off.

Portland has become adept at surpassing expectations.

But the ultimate test of the team's resolve will come Thursday night, when the Trail Blazers face elimination trailing 3-2 in their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks.

"When you get in these loser-out games, sometimes everybody tries to do it all, and then you get out of character," guard Brandon Roy said on Wednesday. "So the biggest thing tomorrow is that we stay in character and don't panic if they get up two points or we're up two. We need to play within our game plan like we've done all season, and we can beat this team."

Perhaps nothing demonstrates the Blazers' ability to deal with adversity more than their last win in the series. Down 67-44 in the third quarter, Roy led his team on a stunning comeback for an 84-82 Game 4 victory on Saturday.

Roy, a three-time All-Star who had been troubled by his knees all season and came on as a reserve, finished with 24 points -- 18 in the fourth quarter.

For Roy, there was satisfaction in the performance given what he had gone through.

In early December, it became apparent that something was amiss for Roy, the face of the franchise. It was later learned that the cartilage in both of his knees was so depleted that he was nearly playing bone-on-bone.

While the condition is something that will likely dog him for the rest of his career, Roy opted to have arthroscopic surgery on both knees in January. All told, he missed 35 regular-season games.

When Roy returned from surgery, LaMarcus Aldridge had taken over as the team's top playmaker, and second-year guard Wesley Matthews had taken his spot in the starting rotation. Roy's minutes were tightly controlled off the bench.

As they had with other key injuries -- most notably to centers Greg Oden and Marcus Camby -- the Blazers picked themselves up and moved on. They made the necessarily adjustments, and helped themselves by adding forward Gerald Wallace from Charlotte at the trade deadline, to wind up the sixth seed in the Western Conference.

Trail Blazers-Mavericks Game 2 NBA Playoffs Preview.

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As the highest-seeded Western Conference team to win its playoff opener, the Dallas Mavericks should be feeling pretty good about themselves.

They don't.

Sure, the Mavs are happy to be up 1-0 on the Portland Trail Blazers going into Game 2 on Tuesday night, and happier still to have won with their defense.

But they also remember what happened last year, when they got giddy about winning a grind-it-out opener at home against San Antonio. Dallas got smacked around in Game 2 and wound up also losing Games 3 and 4 on the way to being eliminated in six games.

"They really came out smoking in Game 2 and were all over us," Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki said Monday. "They were just more ready, I felt like, and then we had to react, and it was kind of too late. That's what the Blazers are going to do tomorrow, they're going to leave it all out there. We've got to be ready for the first hit and be aggressive also, and just go from there."

Last year's Game 2 meltdown was no isolated incident. It continued a trend that stretches back to the high point in franchise history, when Dallas took a 2-0 lead on Miami in the 2006 NBA finals.

The Mavs followed that win with a loss and eventually lost the series. Starting there, they've followed eight of their last 10 postseason victories with a loss. Both exceptions came in a 2009 first-round series against the Spurs, which happens to be the only series they've won since reaching the '06 finals.

It's a bad habit they know they have to break.

"It starts in practice," said guard Jason Terry, who along with Nowitzki are the only players left from the '06 club. "If you've watched us the last two days, we're treating this as Game 1 all over again. I mean, we came in, we prepared, we went at each other hard. Everybody was pretty in-tune about the game plan. It's all about focusing in on the task. Nothing else matters."

A lot of strange things happened in the opener of this series, from Dallas'Jason Kidd scoring 24 points -- three more than he had in any game this season -- to Portland center Marcus Camby having more assists than Kidd.

Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan found it especially curious that the Mavericks took 29 free throws while his team took only 13. The disparity was even more mind-boggling considering Dallas scored only one basket in the paint in the second half. He voiced his complaints about the officiating, and on Monday was fined $35,000 by the league office.

McMillan also was perturbed by his club's wayward 3-point shooting (2 of 16) and the poor production from Gerald Wallace (4 of 13, eight points) and Brandon Roy (1 of 7, two points).

"For the most part, we had open looks," McMillan said. "We're going to get open looks the way their defense plays. We've got to knock those shots down."

The Blazers lost out on hustle plays, too, things that don't always show up in the stat sheet but are glaring on tape. That tape was rolling before they hit the practice court Monday.

"It just looked like they wanted it more than we did," McMillan said. "Those are plays that you must make in playoff games to give yourself a chance to win."

The flip side to all this is that despite doing so many things wrong, Portland was within a basket in the final minutes and only lost 89-81. The Blazers figure that if they can clean up even only a few of these trouble spots then they can be headed home with a split.

For Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge, Dallas actually is home. He went to his mom's place for a home-cooked meal Sunday night, and has enjoyed being around friends and family. It certainly hasn't detracted from his focus because he scored 27 points in the opener. He also helped pester Nowitzki into making only 7 of 20 shots, a ratio Portland would gladly take again.

"Being at home hasn't really been an issue for LaMarcus," McMillan said. "He's focused on what he needs to do."

Blazers-Mavericks First Round Playoffs Game 1 Preview.

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Game 1. Excitement in the air. NBA Playoff time is back.

This series includes 2 teams that fought their way into the Western Confrence playoffs. The Portland Trail Blazers vs. the Dallas Mavericks.

Tonight, Game 1, in Dallas kicks off, it will be a a battle of big men down low, including LaMarcus Aldridge and Dirk Nowitzki.

Portland's starting lineup will look like this

PG: Andre Miller

SG: Wesley Matthews

SF: Gerald Wallace

PF: LaMarcus Aldridge

C: Marcus Camby

Here's Dallas'

PG: Jason Kidd

SG: Rodrigue Beaubois

SF: Shawn Marion

PF: Dirk Nowitzki

C: Tyson Chandler

The Match-up everbody is going to watch is Aldridge vs. Nowitzki. If Portland can take game 1, Portland can easily win the series in possibly 6, and how they are gonna do that, they need help from Aldridge, can, the bench.

Dallas' bench is pretty good, but if Portland's bench can come out first and score more, then can win game 1, Brandon Roy will have to be that guy to score, and Nicolas Batum.

A lot of heat is around Dallas because everybody is saying, "Dallas is on Upset alert", don't give up on the Mavericks. They are 57-25, and 3rd in the West, and to make it 3 and up in the West, you are a good team. The West is tough, and so is the teams that didn't make the Playoffs.

So thats it for the Game 1 Preview. Enjoy Game 1. GO BLAZERS!!!!!

Blazers Outlast Jazz, 98-87.

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The Portland Trail Blazers coming into today was currently sitting in the 7th in the West behind the Hornets. The Blazers got back into 6th tonight, with a 98-87 win over divisional foe, the Utah Jazz. Here's what happened....

The Portland Trail Blazers just had 4 games left coming into todays game, and today was a huge win.

The Blazers led the whole game, the Jazz never led in the game they were tied at 2-2, but that was the only time the Jazz were really close.

Gerald Wallace finished with 29 points, 8 Rebounds and 2 AST. Gerald had huge game for the fact that the Trail Blazers have the Playoffs coming up.

Nicolas Batum started at PF, due to the injury from Marcus Camby, he added 21 points tonight with 3 rebounds.

Wesley Matthews had 18 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 12 and Brandon Roy had 11 off the bench.

The Blazers will go to 46-33, and will be back into 6th place and will face the Lakers tomorrow back at home at the Rose Garden.

The Jazz, however, will be not going to the playoffs this year, at 37-42.

Here's some Highlights.

Blazers lose, But Clinch a Playoff Spot.

By HD.

The Portland Trail Blazers lost last night for their worst home loss of the season. But, with this loss, the Houston Rockets lost, putting Portland in the Playoffs for the 3rd straight year.

2 years ago, the Blazers lost in the first round to Houston 4-2, then last year lost to Phoenix 4-2. So can the Blazers pass the first round this year?

LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. He was 1 of 4 players in double figures, Gerald Wallace (pictured left) had 10 points, Andre Miller had 12, and Wesley Matthews had 17.

In the 1st quarter, Marcus Camby hit his head on the court and did not return to the game. It's serious to lose any players before the Playoffs start. Fans started to shout, "Mar-cus Cam-by", as he walked into the locker room.

Afterwards, Andre Miller said, "It doesn't seem to serious."

FUNS FACTS: Former Oregon State Beaver running back Stephen Jackson attended the game. Andre Miller has 2 more ast. until he is 14th all time in AST.

The Blazers go to 45-33 and will play in Utah to face the Jazz next.

Blazers crush Wizards for huge win.

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The Portland Trail Blazers were worn out. A bad loss after a comeback by the Lakers to lose by 4, they were looking to bounce back tonight. They did, defeating the Washington Wizards, 111-76. Here's what happened......

The Blazers down early, 14-12, but went on a 18-6 run to retake a 30-20 lead and then never trailed ever again in the game taking a big 62-45 lead at the half.

Gerald Wallace was the leading scorer in the game with 28 points with 8 rebounds, 3 AST., and 4 steals.

Most importantly, 5 Blazers scored in double figures, Wallace had 28, Nicolas Batum had 22, LaMarcus Aldridge also added 22, Wesley Matthews had 15, and Rudy Fernandez had 10 points.

Another guy that showed a lot of skills in this game was Chris Johnson. It's exactly what guys should do when they get their chance. Johnson had 7 points, 2 dunks and a 3 point play.

Marcus Camby sat out tonight, due to a sprained Ankle, but he should be back by Friday vs. The Spurs. By the way, today was his birthday.

Now, it was a huge win because the Blazers are now just a game out of Denver for 5th in the West, but Im not to sure if we want to face Oklahoma City in the first round. They are a great young team.

The Blazers are still in 6th in th West, now a game ahead of New Orleans.

John Wall led the Wizards with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 7 AST., and 3 steals. The Wizards will go to the 2nd worst in the East at 17-52 and 1-32 on the road.

Marcus Camby's X-rays on ankle negative.

By HD.

Last night, in a loss to the hottest team in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Portland Trail Blazers almost lost a important guy to this team.

Marcus Camby, hurt his ankle in last nights tough loss to the Lakers, 84-80.

Camby did not return after injuring his ankle but today, the X-rays came out Negative.

However, Marcus is questionable for tuesday nights game vs. the Washington Wizards.

The Blazers wont miss him in the Wizards game, which should be an easy win for Portland, but we lost to the Wizards earlier this season.

It is important to get him back on Friday vs. the Spurs. We need him to guard Mr. All-Star Tim Duncan.

NBA TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Camby out of Portland?

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The Portland Trail Blazers have been playing terrific the last 2 weeks. Closing in on 5th place in the West, 2nd in the Northwest, but their is just one slight problem.

There is a Rumor going around the NBA that Portland Trail Blazers center, Marcus Camby could be traded before the Trade deadline.

Camby has had 5.9 PPG, 11.3 RBG, 1.8 BLKPG and was a huge part of Portland's playoff run last year but just short losing in the 6th game of the opening Western playoff round.

Well, right now,Marcus Camby is battling an injury. He has been through surgery this season, and the Blazers losing a big man. Well, that happens all the time, the Blazers lost Greg Oden to a Season ending injury this year, and Marcus Camby has been injured for an awfully long time.

The Blazers biggest man next to Camby would be Joel Przybilla, but he isnt even starting. I like who is starting at Center right now and thats Dante Cunningham. He's a great athlete, and if you leave him open on a rebound he is going to get it.

Some teams probley interested in Camby would be teams that need big men. The Blazers are the team that MOST need a big men and Marcus Camby needs to stay. Oklahoma City could use a big men even Utah or Golden State.

I see sending Marcus Camby to the Thunder is a Dangerous Idea. Oklahoma City already has the shooting and getting a good big man could help them easily win the Northwest and go very deep in the playoffs.

The Main idea here is that Marcus Camby needs to stay with Portland. I think fans love him, he's a much needed big man, but ever since he left, the Blazers have been playing pretty tough. I would love to see him come back and help the Blazers possible win the Northwest and even get into 4th in the west.

So I guess I should end this Post Now. Hopefully, the Blazers will keep Camby and win the Northwest! GO BLAZERS!

Trail Blazers get 6th straight win, head into All-star break in 5th place.

By Hunter Hendrickson

Finnaly, With everything that has happen to the Blazers this year, this finally, right before the All-star break, win 6 straight games and climb into 5th in the West.

The Blazers beat the Hornets, 103-96 behind LaMarucus Aldridge's 34 points.

The Blazers won have anybody heading to Los Angeles for the All-star game, but fourntely, we dont need all-stars. We have all the talent we need to go far into the Playoffs this year.

Brandon Roy and center Marcus Camby says they should be back by next week on wendsday when the Blazers face The Los Angeles Lakers at the Rose Garden.

Well, the Blazers are 32-24 and 5th in the west, and 2nd in the Northwest. 2 weeks ago, if I said that the Blazers would be 5th in the west at the all-star break, you would be thinking im Crazy. But with all that has happen to this Injured Team, we find a way to seek Greatness.

Portland Trail Blazers SG Brandon Roy Practices, Return unknown.

By Hunter Hendrickson

Guard Brandon Roy has returned to practice with the Portland Trail Blazers but he won't return to the lineup this weekend as he had hoped.

The three-time All-Star, who had arthroscopic surgery on both knees a little more than three weeks ago, worked out for about a half hour with his teammates on Wednesday. He said afterward that he did not have any pain.

Blazers coach Nate McMillan says Roy will be eased back into the rotation and his minutes will be closely watched. There is no timetable for Roy to start playing again.

Blazers center Marcus Camby, who also had arthroscopic surgery last month, also returned to practice. He too was limited to 30 minutes.

Camby was averaging 5.9 points and 11.3 rebounds in 39 games this season.

The return of Roy and Camby was encouraging for the Blazers, who have been dogged by injuries for the second straight season.

In November, the team announced that center Greg Oden, the No. 1 draft pick in 2007, would miss the season because of microfracture surgery on his left knee. Oden missed his rookie year because of microfracture surgery on his right knee.

Second-year forward Jeff Pendergraph injured his knee in the preseason and required season-ending surgery. And rookie guard Elliot Williams has undergone surgery this season on both knees.

Last season, Roy had arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee two days before the Blazers opened their first-round playoff series against Phoenix.

He made a remarkable comeback and played in the fourth game of the series, which the Suns eventually won, but some have suggested he might have returned too soon.

Roy said he accepts McMillan's caution.

"I feel good but at the same time I understand where he's coming from," Roy said. "He wants me to feel great."

Trail Blazers Center Marcus Camby to Undergo surgery.

By Hunter Hendrickson

Another Injury, and this time, another starter. Marcus Camby, will undergo arthroscopic surgery later this week to repair a partial medial meniscus tear in his left knee.it was announced today by General Manager Rich Cho.

The Portland Trail Blazers already have 2 starters injured, Greg Oden and All-star Brandon Roy.

“The MRI taken earlier today did not show anything significant,” said Cho. “However, a more thorough review tonight from our team physician did reveal a partial tear.”

The exact date for Camby’s arthroscopy has yet to be determined. A timeline for his return will be set following surgery.

In 39 games (all starts) this season, Camby has averaged 5.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.87 blocks in 28.7 minutes. He ranks fifth in the NBA in rebounds and 10th in blocked shots per game.

And God Forbid LaMarcus Aldridge gets hurt. Without him, the Blazers will finish with No Playoffs and No winning Record. The question now is, Can the Blazers make the Playoffs with all these injuries?

Oh and Camby is the only player in the Western Conference averaging at least 11.0 rebounds and 1.50 blocks. He has grabbed at least 10 boards in 26 games and led the team in rebounding a team-high 28 times this season.

So the starting Lineup Looks like this now

PG: Andre Miller.

SG: Wesley Matthews.

SF: Nicolas Batum

PF: LaMarcus Aldridge

C: Joel Przbilla or maybe Dante Cunningham.

Well, Depends. Can we continue to win games and make the playoffs?