National Basketball Association

Trail Blazers: October Outlook

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3). Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Trail Blazers will tip-off their season with three contests against Western Conference opponents. While it is early, the results of these games could prove to be an important barometer for Portland’s potential success this season.

So here we are once again, on the eve of the NBA season’s opening night. It’s time to see if the Trail Blazers’ success from last year was really a fluke. To see whether Evan Turner, Maurice Harkless and Meyers Leonard are worthy of their huge salary increases. To see if anyone else notices that Damian Lillard is unquestionably an All-Star and may also be an MVP caliber player.

What are the realistic expectations for this team? Can they get to 45 wins again? Will we see some regression? Realistically, the Trail Blazers should achieve the fourth or fifth seed in the Western Conference and they have a strong chance of winning the Northwest Divison (for what that’s worth).

The march to those goals starts tomorrow night, so with that in mind, RCP would now like to preview October’s slate of games.

Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3). Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Jazz vs Trail Blazers (10/25/16)

Despite not making the Playoffs since 2012, the Jazz enter the season as an outside favorite to claim the divisional crown. This will be the first of four regular season meetings between the two franchises and could well be a preview of a first-round matchup for this year’s playoffs. Both rosters are young enough to hint at a potential long-term rivalry developing over the next few seasons.

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Gordon Hayward is out with a dislocated finger and the Trail Blazers will need to take advantage of his absence. Even without their star player, this contest will be far from an easy task. The Jazz have developed into one of the stingiest defenses in the NBA, anchored around the dominant play of Rudy Gobert. Given C.J. McCollum‘s penchant for mid-range shots and Lillard’s ability to shoot from a different area code, expect Utah’s wing defenders to push up and encourage the pair to drive and meet the “Stifle Tower” (I still prefer the “French Rejection”) at the rim. Leonard will prove to be useful here, though still working his way back from injury, his ability to stretch the floor will be vital in luring Gobert away from the hoop.

The frontcourt will be the key to this game, and perhaps one of the most important factors for this entire season. Gobert and Derrick Favors (not to mention Boris Diaw coming off the bench) present more than a handful. Due to Utah’s size, this may be one of the games where Stotts is forced to play Al-Farouq Aminu at small forward.

Portland should still win, but don’t be surprised if this goes down to the wire.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1). Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Clippers vs Trail Blazers (10/27/16)

This match-up will be a real test of Portland’s mettle. After knocking a hobbled Clippers out of last year’s playoffs, you can guarantee that they will turn up to this game looking for revenge. Expect an intense game, as this matchup is made up of two teams that could claim top four seeds in the this year’s postseason. The Clippers’ championship window might be closing, so look for them to start their season by picking up some important wins.

With perhaps the most imposing frontcourt in the NBA, a fully-fit Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan could prove too much for Mason Plumlee. It’s the kind of game where Festus Ezeli could have had a significant impact, if only he were healthy.

Chris Paul is always a handful for Lillard, but as CP3 advances into the latter stages in his career don’t be surprised if Doc Rivers turns to other defenders to stop Portland’s leading man. On defense, McCollum will once again be forced to follow J.J. Redick through a series of screens.

This should be another close fought game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Clippers come away with the victory. Doc’s squad looks to be very good this year, but don’t worry, things could be very different next year.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0). Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets (10/29/16)

Do not underestimate the Nuggets – towards the end of last season Mike Malone had his young roster playing some serious basketball. They aren’t on the same level as the Jazz and Clippers, but the Nuggets still have the potential to make the playoffs this season.  Denver has a core even younger than the Trail Blazers. Second year players, Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic appear to have high ceilings, but both should still be a step behind Portland’s stars.

Perhaps the Denver player of most interest in this one is Will “The Thrill” Barton. A fan favorite in his time with Portland, Barton took full advantage of the extra opportunity he received in Denver. Barton more than doubled his scoring average, dropping 14.4 points per game. Despite having his second-highest scoring outburst (31) against the Trail Blazers last December, his overall output when facing his old team has been below par.

The Nuggets have a wide range of weapons at their disposal. Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler provide Malone with two proven NBA options. Even though he doesn’t really fit with the roster, don’t forget about the physical presence of Kenneth Faried either. Denver has more talent than they are given credit for. If they are clicking, they could give Portland some real trouble.

Last season’s series ended 3-1 in favor of the Trail Blazers, and a repeat of that record should be expected in this coming season. Even though it is Portland’s first road game, expect them to come away victorious. Opening the season with a 2-1 record in October is nothing to complain about, and should lay the foundation for a strong regular season.

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