Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
3 Scariest Things About the Blazers This Season

The Portland Trail Blazers are facing a number of challenges throughout the season.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant reacts after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Portland Trail Blazers are about to approach Halloween with three games this week that will challenge their perfect record.

The Blazers have a lot of optimism, but there are also things that are scary about their future.

Some members of the Portland Trail Blazers On SI staff shared what they believe is the scariest part of the Blazers moving forward.

Too Much Competition

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic walks near mid court during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"The Blazers continue to feel like those young Memphis teams from a few years back that dominated the regular season, got a top two seed and flamed out quickly in the postseason. Portland is going to be a try-hard team for the next five months, and I could see them finishing higher in the standings than expected. But will they be able to beat a No. 7 seed Denver Nuggets team or a No. 6 Golden State Warriors? I don't think so, and then an early playoff exit could wipe out all the good of a strong regular season." — Austin White

The Blazers find themselves in a tough Western Conference. Their lack of time together as a full team could put them at a disadvantage compared to teams that have been fighting in the playoffs consistently over the past couple of years.

The Frontcourt Questions

Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan celebrates scoring a three point basket. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"My biggest fear with the Blazers this season lies in the frontcourt. Ja and Dame form a high-ceiling pairing in the backcourt, but I'm nervous to see how Portland’s interior on both sides of the ball holds up against the deeper frontcourts that reside out West (Denver, San Antonio, OKC) over the course of 82 games." — Ethen Hutton

"The thing that scares me the most about the Blazers this season is their lack of frontcourt depth. If either Deni Avdija or Toumani Camara goes down, the Blazers will have to hope that Sidy Cissoko or Micah Potter can step up." — Rocco Moschella

The Blazers got beat in the first round of the playoffs last season against the San Antonio Spurs, who thrived in the frontcourt with Victor Wembanyama. Every great team in the West has a strong center or two, and that could come up as an issue later down the line.

The Egos

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Micah Nori calls a play against the Sacramento Kings. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"This Blazers team is making a lot of sacrifices: Deni Avdija was the go-to guy last season and now has his usage cut. Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday were starting playoff games together and are now coming off the bench. I’m not entirely convinced that these things are sustainable for the entirety of the season. Winning solves everything until it doesn’t, and that's my fear for this Portland squad." — Sahal Arwo

Chemistry is good at the moment, but the fit could be questionable if the team starts to lose. The togetherness the Blazers have will ultimately determine how far they go, and if there's anyone who's not on board, it will show in the way they play.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

You may like

Lakers Receive Latest Injury News as Team Looks to Remain Undefeated

si.com 1 godzina temu

Reranking the 10 biggest NBA title favorites with Jalen Williams off the board

fansided.com 1 godzina temu

Several Nets discuss what led to 136-109 blowout loss to Pacers

aol.com 3 godzin temu

Three Takeaways: The Charlotte Hornets Defeat the Washington Wizards on Monday

si.com 32 minut temu

Meleek Thomas Shines in Cavs Debut as Cleveland Survives Thrilling Overtime Battle

si.com 7 minut temu

Will OKC Thunder Two-Way Players Get More Minutes After Recent Injuries?

si.com 2 godziny temu

JuJu Watkins Turns Heads in Official Injury Return Before Anticipated Season

si.com 2 godziny temu

Jazz Star Lauri Markkanen Leaves vs. Grizzlies With Apparent Hand Injury

si.com 19 minut temu

Brooklyn Nets Can't Let Early Losses Dictate Entire Season

si.com 3 godzin temu

The Sneakers NBA Stars Wore 10 Years Ago

si.com 2 godziny temu