Memphis v. Portland 7 p.m. (2/11/05)

Versus



The line on the game is Memphis by 6.5, and I like Memphis. There are a number of questions you have to ask, how does Dhantay Jones continue to be the x-factor for this team? A career high 23 against Philadelphia, the third time in three weeks he has shattered his career high. The other interesting match up is Damon Stoudamire (15 ppg, 5.6 apg), who has really never been a 20/10 guy since leaving Toronto, against Jason Williams (12 ppg, 6 apg), who has grown up a lot since leaving Sacramento. If J-Will can keep himself out of foul trouble early (something he could not do against A.I.) he ought to have another 15-20 point night. If he gets in trouble trying to contain Stoudamire, then we will have to rely on Earl Watson (8 ppg, 5 apg) and Antonio Burks (5 ppg, 2 apg) to carry us thru the second and third period. The other thing you have to keep in mind with the Blazers in town, is that Bonzi Wells (11 ppg, 2 apg) always plays well against his former team, averaging 22 ppg when facing Portland. As I am sure you remember, Bonzi had some rough times in Portland, yelling at fans, teammates, coaches, etc. He was a walking technical Foul. However, since the day he left Portland he has been a standup player, and person. Its funny, the same thing happened to Rasheed Wallace. Darius Miles has become major trouble since landing in Portland. Maybe its not these players. Maybe its that team. Maybe its that system. Maybe its that city. Portland 93, Memphis 104.