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Playoffs Preview: Blazers vs Rockets | Game 4

April 26, 2009 — PDXPIPELINE

(For Blazers playoff coverage: 2009 NBA Playoff Coverage: Portland TrailÃƒâ€š Blazers)

Posted by Andy Popp

Game 4 Preview: Do or Die

With a loss putting the Blazers in a 1-3 hole, basically guaranteeing a first round exit, tonight's critical game 4 becomes a must win.

The burning questions:

Can Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge overcome the Rockets' defensive schemes?
Can we slow down Yao Ming three games in a row?
Can Greg Oden capitalize on his size advantage?
Will Luis Scola just go away?
Will Aaron Brooks finally remember that he's Arron Brooks?
Can Joel Przybilla, Oden and the Blazers control the boards?
Will Roy and Aldridge get any offensive help?

Instead of rolling over when things went bad in game 2, the Blazers battled back. Proving to themselves that they're capable of running with the Rockets in their house. Now it's just a matter of reproducing that effort. In order to do that, the Blazers must come out as the aggressors and set the tone early. Both teams know what's at stake tonight, don't expect the Rockets get caught looking ahead.

Tonight we find out if the Blazers' championship evolution is ahead of schedule, like so many thought it was, or if they're still a year or two away.

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Andy Popp is a Portland native that loves sports and beer. When he's not at PDX Pipeline, you can find him at lowposts.com. You can contact him at andypopp@gmail.com