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Open Game Thread #31: Bulls vs. Portland Trailblazers

[Thanks to bullshooter for tonight's game preview, even though he still believes in this Ben Gordon benching thing, and hates Tyrus Thomas. -Matt]

A Tale of Two Franchises

or Two Draft Picks, or Two Forwards... Tonight brings the Portland Trailblazers to town.  If the Bulls are copying Detriot's blueprint for building a champion out of many good players, but no dominant ones, then the Trailblazers are copying the Bulls blueprint for drafting winners from strong college programs, at least according to GM Kevin Pritchard.  The Bulls' and Trailblazers' fate was also intertwined by a 2006 draft day trade.  In that trade, the Bulls swapped the rights to LaMarcus Aldridge taken with the second pick and a conditional second round pick for the rights to Tyrus Thomas taken with the fourth pick and young forward and Blogabull favorite Viktor Khyrapa.  Aldridge and fellow 2006 draftee Brandon Roy form the nucleus of a young Trailblazers team that has finally suceeded in putting the Jailblazers teams of the recent past behind them.

On draft day in 2006 scouts were questioning whether or not Aldridge could fill out or have enough toughness, while Thomas was seen as having the most upside.  However, Aldridge has emerged to start and average 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this year, while Thomas's future remains cloudy.  Thomas started 11 games at the beginning of this year, but has logged only 16 minutes in three games since the Bulls fired head coach Scott Skiles five games ago.  The reasons for this benching are a continuous and inflamatory source of debate here on blogabull.  Thomas's inconsistent minutes beg the question: could the Bulls have gotten Aldridge and Roy instead of Thomas and Sefolosha, another young Bull seeing very limited minutes so far this year?  Also, you have to feel kind of sorry for Khryapa who's played about 10 minutes since that trade after starting for most of the previous year for Portland.

Aside from that idle speculation, the Trailblazers come into the UC on a hot streak having won 14 of their last 15 games, even without injured number one overall pick Greg Oden.  The Bulls have won 3 of 4 under new coach Jim Boylan and scored over 100 points in each game, making the move to bring Ben Gordon off of the bench look like the greatest idea since sliced cheese.  Interestingly, Accuscore gives a decided edge to the Bulls tonight.  The game is on TNT at 8pm EST, so need to hunt down bootleg LP feeds.

Blogging with the Enemy:

Blazers Edge

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

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bullshooter's other crimes against humanity
The campaign to get Robert Horry elected to the HOF.

Look for Ben Gordon to be a spark off the bench.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 3, 2008 5:04 PM CST   0 recs

The TT comment was strong
but the Horry HOF campaign was a bold face lie.  Deng does shoot a lot of jumpers though, doesn't he.  And I look for BG to continue to be a spark off the bench, not to mention increased minutes for the youngsters, perhaps even Tyrus.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 5:56 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Monthly Commentary.
Ok, for the month of December I predicted 8-8 and the team went 8-8 no suprise there.  They finally started beating teams they should beat, ala bobcats & knicks twice. While losing to the top teams Boston twice, and the spurs and lost a heartbreaker to Orlando.  The snuck in a win over detroit and lost to the pacers to keep it even.

For January, we beat the bobcats again, now we face Portland tonight gonna be tough the trailblazers are 13 and 2 there last 15 games and just got a 13 game win streak snapped while the bulls ha yet to win 3 in a row all year. I thought portland was going to be bottom of the barrall but looks like I was wrong.  Game is in chi-town so I hope that helps. Maybe well see more Noah and maybe some TT against the young portland squad.  The one player I see us having problems with is Brandon Roy, we have nobody thats can stop him in our regular rotation.  Maybe thabo will get more tic but he needs to limit is shooting and mistakes.

So for january the bulls should go 11-5 if they play like the been playing. We got the kings without artest, martin and bibby on saturday, got the knicks, sixers, hawks, heat, grizz, pacers,bobcats and the Timberpups twice to close out the month. Not going to get gready but maybe they show me better and steal one from the warriors or pistons at home maybe even a payback at the majic in o-town.

Still I say 11-5 which would put them at 23-23  .500 a good shot to be contending for a lower tier playoff spot in the EAST, a little after half there games have been played.

by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 5:54 PM CST   0 recs

Maybe you didn't notice the game preview
but Portland is 14-1 in their last 15 and where did you make this prediction?  And if the Bulls have really turned the corner, I see them going 14-2.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 6:00 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Maybe my math is off but I could have swore
the blazers just had a 13 game win streak snapped, but I didn't do much checking.  Unless the last game they played they won. I don't know if I am allowed to tell you where I made my prediction.  Ask Matt if I am allowed to tell you.

by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 7:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

If anyone cares...
...I don't have cable, and I'm still too stupid (or too lazy to have bookmarked it) to know how to find on computer feeds. If anyone knows of a League Pass online.....................

Thanks.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 3, 2008 5:57 PM CST   0 recs

go back a few game threads
and look for nittanybulls comment.  The games might be blacked out tonight because they are on TNT.  Not sure.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 6:02 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

No League Pass Thursdays
TNT bought 1/7 of the NBA schedule.  Not even NBA League Pass gets this day's schedule.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 6:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Looking forward to this game
The matchup of the game is not Aldridge and Wallace.  It is Roy and Hinrich.  How will Hinrich limit Roy's dribble penetration that sets up all the Portland shooters.

Bruce Bowen has taken Roy out of the games against the Spurs to give the Spurs a chance to win.

Aldridge should not be double teamed on the low block with Wallace guarding him.  If the perimeter defenders cheat down on Aldridge it's going to be a long night.

by NBA Observer on Jan 3, 2008 6:29 PM CST   0 recs

I just hope
Kirk is not foul happy tonight.
Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 3, 2008 6:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Can't wait for another night with Charles and Co.
They always have such nice, not to mention original, things to say about the team.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 3, 2008 6:33 PM CST   0 recs

I am a little worried about this game
The Blazers have been hot. I wish the Bulls had kept Aldridge and I think that Roy is going to smoke Kirk.
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 6:36 PM CST   0 recs

way to be positive
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 6:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You're right
I think that this game will be closer than I think
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 6:48 PM CST   0 recs

Geez, Matt, talk about blogging with the enemy!
Are we so unreceptive to your bitter apathy that you needed to go cheering up Blazer fans with that stupid-Bulls-starting-Du-DNPing-Thomas?
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 3, 2008 7:03 PM CST   0 recs

ok i missed some of it
what did the three stooges have to say about the bulls.  I heard kenny try to be diplomatic and Chuckles say that he agreed with bringing BG off of the bench.  what else did they say?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:08 PM CST   0 recs

They were discussing Pip's "analysis"
of BG and Kirk.  Kenny basically said it may have been something other people have been saying, but Pip said it in a brutal way.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 3, 2008 7:11 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Barkley also mentioned
that Scottie is not a rocket scientist, but he did agree that Hinrich is a midget.

by alec on Jan 3, 2008 7:14 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, an he'd know.
At this point Barkley is two of Hinrich.  Width of course.

by cranscape on Jan 3, 2008 7:55 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

HEY!
I just missed what Boylan was saying on "wired".
What did he say?
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:15 PM CST   0 recs

he said all the negative nancy's
should unplug there "wired" computers for this one.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:16 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

expect ben gordon
to be a spark off the bench ;)
Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 3, 2008 7:17 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

is Blazers Edge an SBNation blog?
because my login works over there, which is nice.  I also might have registered it over there a long time ago, too, can't remember.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:16 PM CST   0 recs

Thought
If Tyrus did so well against Aldridge in the NCAA Tourney, why not play him on him all game?

by Option27 on Jan 3, 2008 7:19 PM CST   0 recs

Nice 24 reference
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 7:24 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Smith
Always makes our first points.Veterans calming effect?
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:20 PM CST   0 recs

hey ben,
don't let blake do you like that!

by jocrucial on Jan 3, 2008 7:22 PM CST   0 recs

Ha
Well there ain't much to cheer about unless you're a big Joe Smith fan

by Option27 on Jan 3, 2008 7:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Time to insert Gordon.
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:26 PM CST   0 recs

He's in
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

And I'm sure TT is gonna play like crazy
Just let him play!
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:28 PM CST   0 recs

"what is it gonna take
to put me in your five"

not a last place record in the east?

by bullsfaninla on Jan 3, 2008 7:28 PM CST   0 recs

Ha!
But he's got a Ring!
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:30 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Deng is ice cold.
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:32 PM CST   0 recs

Have you noticed he's been really quiet lately?
All the quotes in the papers seem to be BG, Wallace, and Kirk.  I don't think I've heard anything much from Lu since the coaching change.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 3, 2008 7:36 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Very slow, deliberate pace
Just like the Blazers want it.

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 7:33 PM CST   0 recs

yeah
guys look gassed.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Time to get our Energy guy to the court.
I mean Noah.
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Fucking jump Ben!
Don't just stand there and let Aldridge grab that.

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 7:37 PM CST   0 recs

something different with HInrich's shot?
he's really elevating at the 3 point line.
Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 3, 2008 7:38 PM CST   0 recs

Noah is in so hopefully he gets more clock
is Wallace really going to get another 35+ min?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:39 PM CST   0 recs

looks like he knows what he should have done
but too old and slow to do it.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:43 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Seems like
Kirk is hitting his shots
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 7:40 PM CST   0 recs

Nate saw what was coming in Seattle
and made the smart move to Portland....
Bet he's really glad he did.
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 3, 2008 7:43 PM CST   0 recs

Hinrich is going to pick up a cheap foul
here shortly if they don't give him a breather.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:43 PM CST   0 recs

It's Noah time
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 7:44 PM CST   0 recs

Noah nice pass!!!
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:44 PM CST   0 recs

Hey TT is in!!!!
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:45 PM CST   0 recs

TT sighting!
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 3, 2008 7:45 PM CST   0 recs

portland won last night
14-1.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:50 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

you didn't read the preview either
I slaved over that preview and you guys don't even read it.  I see now why Matt wants to pawn them off on people.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 8:00 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

For what it's worth
I read it.  And enjoyed it.  Your efforts are appreciated!  :)
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 3, 2008 8:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I read it too.
Nice work! ;-)
Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 3, 2008 8:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Portland is not shooting good
but our rebounding is not better.
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:48 PM CST   0 recs

Looks sort of like an early season Bulls
boxscore, doesn't it?  Missing a lot, but hitting the offensive boards.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 3, 2008 7:51 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Exactlly.
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 8:01 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Rebounding is atrocious
And it seems like Wallace's feet are glued to the floor.
If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on Jan 3, 2008 7:51 PM CST   0 recs

Smooth shot from TT there
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 3, 2008 7:53 PM CST   0 recs

Does our new coach
really go by "Jimmy"? Or is Collins just bastardizing his name?
If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on Jan 3, 2008 7:53 PM CST   0 recs

He was OK with BJ
when asked on ESPN1000 today.
"RUN,TYRUS,RUN!!!"-Formerly Chicago Bulls coach S.Skiles

by Azabullsfan on Jan 3, 2008 7:59 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

sigh
Thomas has been on the floor three times already
and he's back on the bench...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 3, 2008 7:55 PM CST   0 recs

he was bleeding
and he has two fouls.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:57 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I know...did he lose a tooth on that last arm
to the face??
ouch.
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 3, 2008 7:58 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Ben's shot is falling
I think he is better coming off the bench
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 7:56 PM CST   0 recs

My take on Gordon
is that he feels majorly disrespected when he gets benched, so he's extra focused to try to prove that he should be starting. He also has a green light to take all the shots he wants because he's running with some backups. The problem is, all that him playing really well off the bench proves... is that he's good off the bench. He really can't win.
If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on Jan 3, 2008 7:58 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

that
and it's a lot harder for the other team to game plan against him.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:59 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I agree
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 8:03 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Why?
It's not like the other team doesn't know he's going to be out there for 35+ minutes whether he's out there for the first 6 or not.

by Sports2 on Jan 3, 2008 8:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

looks like another tight rotation tonight
or not...
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 7:56 PM CST   0 recs

Isn't Spurs vs Nuggets on League pass?
that should be the 2nd game on TNT.  No NFL network schedule switching for the NBA.  The NBA could learn a bit from the NFL.

by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 7:58 PM CST   0 recs

oh great
Wallace is back out there...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Jan 3, 2008 8:01 PM CST