Impressive first half from the Blazers. I wasn't expecting much from them in this series without Roy, Oden and Przybilla but it looks like they can give Phoenix a serious test.
Andre Miller and LaMarcus Aldridge have negated most of Nash's and Amare's contributions. Marcus Camby has dominated the other big man spot. The starting wing players are fairly even and so too are the backup wings. An interesting matchup in the backup guard spots with free scorers Bayless + Barbosa and Dragic's all-round play. Phoenix has a good advantage on the backup big men slots.
Portland is only 6/7 deep though so their bench is going to be vulnerable in this series. Phoenix's bench has played well this season and should have a good advantage here.
Only going 7 deep is going to hurt them as the series goes on.
Portland needs to steal a game in these first two.
I think Portland will be okay if they are seven deep. If Bayless plays well.
If Bayless doesn't, and, they are only six deep? I think that would be a major problem for them.
I think those seven players allow all their perimeter players to stay fresh. Aldridge is comfortable playing 40 minutes a night and Camby is fine in the 32-36 range. And against Phoenix they can go small with Batum or Webster at the four against Frye. Another 5-10 minutes there. Juwan Howard, a poor player, should be able to do a passable job with the leftovers.
I think the seven players gives them just enough depth to pull it off.
