One of the most exciting moments of the offseason is when the schedule finally comes out. It signals that the season is right around the corner, and it creates a buzz among fans. Fans start to study the schedule. Pundits start predicting records. Rivals start to talk smack about potential matchups. All of the buzz is a welcome sight for fans who were deprived of fresh NBA content all summer.
At Rip City Rundown, we decided to mix it up with our analysis of the schedule. In this article, we tasked Cole, Cody, and West to pick out their top 5 games they are most excited for. These games were not ranked on anything in particular; it is an indivudalized ranking based on what each person is looking for in a game. Below are each person's top 5 games they are looking for, and we will use those rankings to create an all-encompassing list.
Cody's Top 5
1. Blazers at Kings 10.19.22
2. Blazers vs. Grizzlies (ESPN) 11.2.22
3. Blazers vs. Hornets 12.26.22
4. Blazers vs. Warriors 2.8.23
5. Blazers vs. Warriors 4.9.23
Cole's Top 5
1. Blazers vs. Suns 10.21.22
2. Blazers vs. Grizzlies (ESPN) 11.2.22
3. Blazers @ Pelicans 11.10.22
4. Blazers @ Warriors 12.30.22
5. Blazers vs. Celtics 3.17.23
West's Top 5
1. Blazers vs. Suns 10.21.22
2. Blazers vs. Grizzlies (ESPN) 11.2.22
3. Blazers vs. Hornets 12.26.22
4. Blazers vs. Warriors 2.8.23
5. Blazers vs Pelicans (ESPN) 3.1.23
Rip City Rundown's Top 5 Games to Get Excited For
#1: Blazers vs Suns 10.21.22
The opening home game of the season. After a quick trip to Sacramento, the Blazers will open the year at home against Phoenix. Moda is going to be rocking. The anticipation and excitement of the opening home makes this a game to get excited for. And oh yeah it's against a Western Conference contender in the Suns. You want great guard play? Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, and Anfernee Simons has got you. You want two extremely skilled big men? Deandre Ayton and Jusuf Nurkic say hello. This game will be electric from the jump, and I am pumped.
#2 Blazers vs. Grizzlies 11.2.22 (ESPN)
Another early season test for the Blazers. On November 2nd, Memphis rolls into town led by Ja Morant. This game has all of the ingredients for an incredible game. Both Memphis and Portland are small market teams led by their stars Ja Morant and Damian Lillard. The high flying athleticism from Morant and the surigcal shooting and playmaking from Lillard offer a great playstyle contrast between two elite point guards. In addition, the Grizzlies and the Trail Blazers have developed a little rivalry in the past 5 years. This, coupled with the game being nationally televised, is going to make this game a fantastic spectacle.
#3 Blazers vs. Warriors 2.8.23
This list would not be complete without a game against Golden State. It's Steph Curry vs. Damian Lillard. It does not get better than that. The Warriors have been the gold standard in the NBA for years, and every time we play them is another chance to beat them. The threes will be raining, Moda will be rocking in early February, and hopefully we can watch Damian Lillard outduel Steph Curry.
#4 Blazers vs. Pelicans 3.1.23 (ESPN)
A small market team like the Trail Blazers only get so many nationally televised games. When they do happen, they are automatically considered a top 5 game to look forward to. This game is no exception; however, the storylines behind the game exceed the nationally televised aspect. For one, CJ McCollum is back in Portland. It will be interesting to see if CJ will get boos or cheers from the Portland faithful. In addition, the Pelicans are one of the teams that will be fighting with Portland for the playoffs. A late-season game against the Pelicans on national television is a perfect recipe for an electric atmosphere in the Moda Center.
#5 Blazers @ Kings 10.19.22
While this is not a home game, it is still the opening game of the entire season. And that alone garners consideration for the top 5. This game means a fresh slate for Portland, and they are 0-0 once again. While this game is on the road, I know that every Blazer fan will tune in, watch this game, and witness the Blazers kick off this season on a good note!
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