No Roy Wednesday, but Outlook Very Good
posted: 11/7/2006 at 10:53 PM
It'll be a tough challenge again tonight, as the shorthanded Trail Blazers take on the L.A. Lakers at the Rose Garden. The game will be televised on KGW-8, and the Trail Blazers Television Network, beginning at 6:30 with NW Chevy Home Court. The game will also be on the Trail Blazers Radio Network with Brian Wheeler and Antonio Harvey.
As you know by now, the Blazers will be without Brandon Roy. But, as you also probably know, the news concerning Roy is very, very good. When news of his injured heel came down during the second half of the game against the Clippers Monday night, my phone started ringing. Everyone wanted to know what's wrong with Brandon, and if they should fear the worst. We went into Tuesday morning still not knowing much. I had many phone calls and e-mails asking me "is it serious? Is it a stress fracture, Achilles injury, or worse?"
Tuesday afternoon I was having a discussion with assistant general manager Kevin Pritchard, in his office, when the phone rang. It was Blazers head athletic trainer Jay Jensen with the news of the MRI Roy had performed on his left heel. I was relieved when I heard KP say on his end of the conversation, "so, it's not bad? Out for Wednesday, back on Friday?" I obviously wasn't the only one in the room thrilled to get that news. Pritchard then relayed the news to a very concerned Paul Allen, and I called my wife (yes, we're both big fans).
Brandon has an impingement on the calcaneus bone in his left foot. In English, that basically means he has a bone bruise in his heel. He got a cortizone shot, very routine, and will be fitted with an orthodic insole on Thursday. He will sit out the game against the Lakers, but should return for the game against the Hornets on Friday.
The second-overall pick in June's NBA Draft, LaMarcus Aldridge, went through practice on Tuesday. That's his first full-contact practice of the season. He has been cleared, but won't likely see action until next week's road trip gets underway at Minnesota on Tuesday. It's possible he could play against Dallas on Sunday, and will obviously want to, since he's from Dallas. We'll see how the next few days go, as he's evaluated by the training staff. Either way, it's good that he's back, and the front line certainly could use the help.
Joel Przybilla continues to recover from his injury, and should also be back for the road trip. It's been a long, painful week for Joel. I'm not going to get into the injury again, but the swelling is going down, and he's at least able to move around the house a bit now. He's told me on several occasions, this was the worst pain he's ever gone through, and was a very scary thing. Good thing he's got Tiger Woods 07 on the X Box 360. I'd hate to think he's just been wasting this time. He also has NBA 2K7, but gets frustrated because he thinks he looks like a skinhead in the video game. He also tends to give himself a few more shots in the offense when playing as the Blazers. I even saw him bring the ball up the floor the other day, and said, "give me a break. Pass the ball." He replied, "are
you in any video games?" Well played.
As for the game against the Lakers, they are flying high at 4 and 1 coming into Wednesday night's game. They beat Minnesota 95-88 Tuesday night, and that was with Kobe only taking 7 shots. I have a feeling he'll be looking to do a little more damage than that against the Blazers.
Martell Webster will start at the shooting guard spot against the Lakers, replacing Roy. Martell did not have a good game against the Clippers on Monday. He played only 15 minutes, and was 0 for 3. Perimeter offense is a must if the Blazers want to be in this game. Not only does Webster need to turn it up a notch, but so does Juan Dixon. Juan is just 9 for 31 since opening night at Seattle. He had the game-winner against Minnesota, of course, but other than that, has been frustrated with his past three games.
Look for the zone defense again for Portland against the Lakers. It was very effective against the Clippers, especially in the first half. Going zone will also help contain L.A.'s slashers, Kobe included. The guy they'll have to worry about is Andrew Bynum. He had 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers in the win over the Timberwolves Tuesday.
Talk to you on TV Wednesday night at 6:30.
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Very great news about Roy! I am very relieved. He's a tough kid and figured he wouldn't miss too much time. Very funny comments about Joel, it made me laugh. I hope to see LaMarcus out and running wild on the court soon! Like you said, we could really use him! Hopefully the Blazers can pull one off against the early successful Lakers.
Glad to hear that Roy is going to be back soon. I would like to see Dickau out there to help us get some scoring from the outside. I do understand that he is somewhat of a liabilty on the defvensive end, but he has the ability to score and create at the offensive end, and as you said, we need to become a little more versitile on the offensive end. I am anxious to see how Mr. Aldridge can help...we could use some presence down low and he seems to be a very physical athletic body to help us out there. I hope Pryzbilla gets well soon too. Go get'em boys, I am very encouraged so far by the effort and discipline so far.
Good to hear Brandon's fine, go study that Hornet film buddy.
So you're telling me that BOTH teams will only have one center on their entire rosters tonight?? Better hope we get back on D or someone might be on Sportscenter tonight via a guy named Kobe...Or perhaps via a guy named Travis...hmmm...
In a fast-paced game like this where hustle, strength and endurance are rewarded, look for the conditioned and energetic Blazers to thrive on our home court, especially in the second half and especially Graham and Udoka who just may have their best games yet.
Tonight we'll get a good look at the mental toughness of JJ, the crowd will be nuts and the ball will be in his hands...I'm not even worried, are you?
Someone please bring a sign that reads "LA WHO?? I THOUGHT THEY WERE THE CLIPPERS?" or one that says "SHOULD HAVE DONE SOME SCOUTING" or something like that. Regardless, those lucky enough to go to the game need to fuel our players tonight, the more energy the better, let them hear ya out there! Blazers by 18!
I love the "are YOU in any video games" crack.
well played indeed.
Good to see that Joel is just as big of a goof as most of us fans are.
just a bit richer. And by a bit, I mean A WHOLE LOT.
I'LL still be at the game even though brandon wont be playing, go blazers!!!!!!!!!
trail blazer fan
-Andrew
Great news about Roy. I am very incouraged by the blazers skills this year. Hopefully we can stay healthy. Having issues in that area already! Not a good sign! Yes I would like to see Aldridge in action. We will have to use Dickau to open up the middle. He is a defensive liability, but we will have to take that risk to get the inside spread out. Tonight should be really interesting to see who steps up in the time of need.
Good to hear Brandon is alright. Health problems with the team this early in the season. Not a good sign! I am very engouraged by the effort, and definite coachability issues that plagued last year.We will see what Aldridge can do very soon. We will need to use Dickau to open up the middle. Yes there is a liability on defence, But we will have to make sure We make up for that with his 3s and assists. With good coaching, HARD WORK, and a little luck. It can be done!!! We can be in the playoffs.
YES!!! I was gettin mad the other day cuz while i was refreshing the page that displays the score, ROy wasn't playing and only scored 3 points... im glad it is not long, i thought he was gonna be out for a week!!!
Hi from Seattle - there are a lot of Portland fans up here now! Good riddance to the Oklahoma City Sonics...
Glad to hear that Roy's injury is really minor. We sure miss him at UW, but glad he stayed in the Northwest. Go Blazers!!!!
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