If it's Friday then it means that First Preview gets a visit from Aaron Bruski (NBA-NBC Sports).
The blazers are a darkorse team in the West, but last night were dealt a severe blow when Wesley Mathews was lost for the year. They still have Aldridge and Lillard, so even with the loss of Mathews, Aaron feels that this they will still be a darkhorse team, just a bit darker horse now. How far they go will depend on matchups.
In comparing the Clippers and Portland Teddy would like to know, who Aaron would trust more, a Clippers team with a healthy Paul and Griffin or a Portland team with a healthy Aldridge & Lillard. Teddy would chose Portland and Aaron would agree. The biggest problem with the Clippers is lack of depth, so any little thing that goes wrong for them they would be in trouble. Aaron does have questions about Griffin and Paul and he really isn't all that high on this team right now.
On to the Mavericks. Do they have any chance in the playoffs? Aaron feels they have most of the people in place to make a run, but they still have allot of work to do. The one player that doesn't really fit with this team seems to be Rajon Rondo. Their offensive efficiency is down when he is one the floor.
On to Utah, who have been making allot of noise of late. Aaron loves this team right now, especially with the way they have turned it up defensively. They played the trade deadline perfectly and turned the game over to Rudy Gobert, who has been a big force on the inside. They don't have allot of depth, but they are getting some and the betting market will take some time to catch up to this team. They would be a play on team for Aaron.
Teddy wants to talk about the Pacers, who he feels that right now they are the 3rd best team in the East. With the Wizards falling apart and the Bulls missing both Rose and Butler, plus the Raptors slumping and the Heat not very good, he says that the Pacers could very well be the 3rd best team in the East.
Aaron still has Chicago as his number 1 and Cleveland and Atlanta are really good right now, so he would probably put them at number 4. The Pacers will be more of a team to watch once they Paul George back.
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