Game 17: Portland Trail Blazers @ Philadelphia 76ers | The City That Boos Santa

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Related on Pipeline: Portland Trail Blazers Games, Schedule, and WIN Tickets

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By Andy Popp

GAME 17: Blazers @ Philadelphia 76ers
November 30, 4:30PM; Comcast Sports
Portland Trail Blazers Schedule

The Blazers flew to Philadelphia (the city that booed Santa) shortly after their loss to the Nets last night, giving them a full day to reflect on their lackluster performance in New Jersey.

Elton Brand has somehow located a 2nd wind, and is playing like the Elton Brand of 2006, currently averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. Even though Brand is scoring and rebounding well, I expect LaMarcus' athleticism to allow him to get whatever he wants tonight.

Andre Iguoudala, who was team USA's defensive specialist over the summer, will match up against Brandon Roy tonight. It will be interesting to see how Roy does against a shutdown defender with the injured knee.

Thanks to balanced scoring from the 76ers' starting unit, Iguoudala's scoring 5ppg less than last year. Which is perfect for him, as he was never really a #1 option. His current role allows him to focus on being a shutdown defender.

The 76ers on paper.
Starting five: Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Spencer Hawes, Evan Turner, Jrue Holiday
Off the bench: Tony Battie, Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young, Marreese Speights, Jodie Meeks, Andres Nocioni

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

• Listen to comedian Bill Burr make fun of Philadelphia for 10 straight minutes.
• The Blazers had a players only meeting after their loss to the Nets. I can only assume the whole team yelled at Rudy Fernandez.
• The 76ers defeated the Nets 102-86 on Saturday.
• Nate McMillian got the defibrillator out and replaced Nic Batum with Wes Matthews.

STRATEGY
Despite being 4-13 overall for the season, the 76ers are 3-4 at home. The Blazers need to show up tonight with a desire and intensity that they've lacked in the last 3 games. Hopefully Wes Matthews starting is the answer.

LET'S GET RICH
To date: 8-4-1.
Blazers are 3.5 point favorites tonight. I'm gonna stick with them until they beat a spread.

TRADE ME
Rudy Fernandez.

NEXT 5
@ Boston
@ Washington
vs Los Angeles Clippers
vs Phoenix
vs Orlando

BOTTOM LINE
A loss tonight puts the Blazers a game under .500. That needs to not happen and the team knows it. Take care of business tonight because tomorrow's game against the Celtics is going to be tough.

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Andy Popp is a Portland native that loves sports and beer. You can contact Andy Popp at eitherandypopp@gmail.com or BlazersPipeline on Twitter. When he's not at PDX Pipeline, you can find him atlowposts.com.