Game 5 Preview: Houston Rockets at Portland Trailblazers
Written April 28, 2009 by Steve Janus
The Portland Trailblazers host the Houston Rockets for Game 5 of their first round playoff series with the Rockets holding a commanding 3-1 advantage. While the series certainly isn’t over just yet, the Blazers have an uphill battle the rest of the way starting tonight in Portland. For what it’s worth, tonight’s NBA odds are in favor of the Blazers as Portland is listed as a 5.5 point favorite over the Rockets. The total for tonight’s game has been set for 182.5 points.
A 3-1 deficit will be difficult for the Blazers to overcome, but not impossible. Portland has continued to improve throughout this series, and they are hoping that will show in tonight as they face possible elimination. Portland suffered a 1 point loss in Game 4 of the series. Brandon Roy had a great game for the Blazers, scoring 31 points, including hitting 17 of 17 from the free-throw line, but it just wasn’t quite enough. Portland’s big men got into foul trouble early, one of their biggest concerns coming into the playoffs, and Houston Center, Yao Ming took full advantage, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the victory. Portland had their chances down the stretch, but gave the ball away with 7 turnovers in the 4th quarter, and also lost out on the glass, giving up a total of ten 4th quarter offensive rebounds to the Rockets.
At this point in the playoffs the Houston Rockets have to be excited at the prospect of getting out of the first round, something they haven’t done in six-consecutive tries. Only one player on the current roster, Ron Artest, has ever seen the 2nd round in the NBA playoffs. What’s most important for the Rockets tonight is to not relax, even a little bit, thinking they have this series in the bag. The Blazers are a talented, if young, team, and they will come out and give the Rockets everything they can handle tonight. With that being said, I do think it is clear that the Blazers have not exactly figured out what to do with Yao Ming, and they are going to need someone in addition to Roy to come up with some offensive game. The Blazers a a tough team at home, and while I doubt the Rockets will take this game lightly, I can see Portland coming away with a narrow victory. With the Rockets getting 5.5 points, however, I think they are probably the smart pick. I’m going to lay off of the game as I could see Houston winning outright just as easily as I could see the Blazers winning by 10. Small lean toward the Rockets +5.5, but a very small lean.
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