Each night, the Clarion will choose the top game on the NBA calendar and select a winner. Keep checking out our pick every day, and let us know what you think in our comment section below.
Portland (1-1) at Houston (1-1), 8:30 p.m.
The Houston Rockets welcome the Portland Trail Blazers in a showdown between two potential playoff teams. The Rockets are without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, so the points are scarce in Houston.
But that’s not the story with Houston this year. It’s all about defense, and the Rockets have plenty of that. Expect Houston forwards Shane Battier and Trevor Ariza to harass Portland guard Brandon Roy all night.
Houston eliminated the Blazers in the first round of last year’s NBA Playoffs in six game. The Blazers have lost seven consecutive games in Houston, but Portland defeated the Rockets 96-87 on Oct. 27. I’m leaning towards Houston because of how well they play at the Toyota Center.
Houston 89, Portland 85