By Devan Cook

The Trail Blazers host the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night in their first game since defeating the Utah Jazz last Saturday. Hopefully the 4 day break will produce a well rested- not rusty- team, as the Warriors, hot off a Monday home win against San Antonio will be delivering a high energy contest.

In the 3rd victory against the Utah Jazz this season on Saturday Martell Webster commanded the spotlight for the Trail Blazer team, stepping up to the task of replacing Brandon Roy who left after the first quarter with a tail bone injury. It will be uncertain until Wednesday evening if Brandon Roy will be back out on the court, but even if he decides to sit out another game, fans can rest assured after the last match-up that his team has his back.

In the Golden State vs. Spurs Monday night overtime affair GS team leader Baron Davis had an outstanding 34 points and 14 assists. Portland defeated Golden State 105-95 last time they came to town, but that victory just makes this one even harder, as the Warriors will be seeking revenge.

Golden State has the highest average points per game when playing away from home, averaging 107. That statistic shows how Portland was able to claim the victory in the two teams’ last match-up; if they can hold Golden State to double digits, the chances of winning highly increase.

In order to keep Warriors offense in check, the Trail Blazers need to set the pace of the game early. The Warriors are a fast break team, so the Trail Blazers will have to slow them down. The biggest offensive threat is Baron Davis. On Monday he had 34 points- something Portland absolutely cannot allow to happen. So defense will be key in this match-up, especially maintenance of Davis and Stephen Jackson, the teams’ leading scorers. The Warriors started the season 0-6 when Jackson was suspended, which shows how crucial his offensive contribution is to the Warriors’ victories.

Regardless of whether or not Brandon Roy plays Wednesday, the Portland team has proved they have what it takes to defeat any team in the league. Fans and sports experts alike have been in disbelief this past month at the incredible 16-1 run the team has had. In the astonishing run they have conquered some of the best teams in the West, and next week when the Trail Blazers head out on a 7-game road trip they’ll undoubtedly be able to pick up some more Eastern Conference victories as well.

For now, let’s hope for a Wednesday night victory at home to send the team off on their road trip with the right mind set.

The game airs locally on Comcast Sports Net at 7 pm. Go Trail Blazers!