Thomas Robinson vs. Andray Blatche
There’s a reason why NBA teams are allowed to carry as many as 15 players on their rosters. In an 82-game regular season spanning six months with no shortage of back-to-back nights, injuries are part of the game. Players also earn their opportunities to join the rotation or move up within it based on their level of play in practice and during games. Portland’s Thomas Robinson and Brooklyn’s Andray Blatche are two players that have seized their opportunities this season. Rip City got a glimpse of what “T-Rob” is capable of in Portland’s last outing at the Moda Center. Robinson’s line of 14 points, 18 rebounds, seven offensive boards and 33 minutes was full of career highs. But most onlookers would tell you it was his energy and effort that stood out, and ultimately propelled the Trail Blazers to a 108-97 win over the Timberwolves. That same night, Blatche was busy recording his third consecutive game of double-digit scoring. And just four days prior, Feb. 19 at Utah, the ninth-year pro tallied a season-high tying 25 points on 11-for-20 shooting from the field. These two reserve big men have energized their teams in helping withstand key injuries to the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge and Brook Lopez, and they are good bets to make the most of however long they see the floor tonight.
Thomas Robinson
• Posted career highs in rebounds (18), offensive rebounds (7, tied), field goals (6, tied) and minutes (33) on Feb. 23 vs. Minnesota.
• Averaged 8.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 22.3 minutes in three games last week (Feb. 19-23)
• In his first season with Portland and second year in the NBA
Andray Blatche
• Tied a season high with 25 points (11-20 FG) to go with six rebounds in Brooklyn’s win at Utah on Feb. 19
• Averaged 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 26.3 minutes in three games last week (Feb. 19-23)
• His nine games with 20-plus points this season are third-most by a Nets player