Official GDT: Blazers @ Mavs - 02/04/09 - 7:30pm CST

[alby]

First night of a tough back to back (in Utah tomorrow night on TNT).

The Blazers have a record of 30-17 and are sitting in 4th place in the Western Conference.

This is obviously a big game for us.

The Mavericks are 14-7 at home, so let's continue our winning ways and defend our home court.

We all know Dallas have played well as of late due to many reasons:
1. The arrival of Darrell Armstrong
2. The freedom Carlisle gave Kidd
3. The re-emergence of the old Josh Howard before his all-star selection

Dallas have won three straight.
Portland have won five straight.
Something's gotta give.

Injury Report:
Their starting point guard, Steve Blake is out for this game.

The keys to this game IMHO, is obviously to stay in front of Brandon Roy and make him take contested jumpers over you keeping him away from the free throw line and to try to get their bigs in to early foul trouble (Oden and Pryzbilla). As long as we play solid defense, we should win this game and move closer to where we want to be in the Western conference (homecourt).

Go Mavs!

Portland 92 - 103 Dallas