Preview: Portland Vs. Dallas Game 6

Jason Terry and the Mavericks are flying high, going into game 6.
(Photo Credit to Ronald Martinez/Getty Images )

The third quarter of game 5 ended much the same way that game 4 did, the Mavericks with a double digit lead. The Blazers opened the scoring with a quick runner from Brandon Roy, giving Blazer fans hope and causing flashbacks for the Mavericks. Except, Portland didn't make another field goal for more than 7 minutes and Dallas ran away and hid, their lead ballooning to over 20 at one point.

Fast forward to tonight, game 6 in Portland where the Mavericks attempt to close out the home team. Both teams are looking to exorcise some playoff demons as the Blazers have never come back from a 3-2 deficit and the Mavericks are a combined 1-9 in game 6's and 0-5 on the road. If the Blazers plan on playing another night, they are going to need a big game from their two time all star, Brandon Roy. In their 2 wins, Roy has averaged 20 points off the bench and has provided a much needed spark that conversely has been absent in the team's 3 losses in which he has combined for only 7. If Portland hopes to send this series back to Dallas for a winner take all game 7, Roy is going to have to carry his team once again and be a factor.

For Dallas, they need to continue to go to the low post. Tyson Chandler repeatedly punished Portland down low, getting several trips to the line and keeping possessions alive with 13 offensive rebounds. If he can stay out of foul trouble and be effective in the post it could be a long night for Marcus Camby and LaMarcus Aldridge.

Speaking of Aldridge, his point production has dipped in each successive game starting game 1 with 27 but only managed 12 in the game 5 loss. It's possible that Dallas' physical brand of basketball has taken it's toll on Aldridge, but when asked about his fatigue level, he brushed the topic aside stating, "I can be tired later."

Brian Cardinal stirred up a little controversy in the closing seconds of game 5, sending Portland guard Patty Mills to the deck with a hard screen. The Blazers bench was up in arms as the smaller Mills went sliding across the American Airlines arena floor but Cardinal doesn't feel remorse.

"They said there is no time on the clock, the game is over and yet they’re going to play hard, full court and press. I’m just doing the same, playing hard just like they are..." Cardinal went on to cast the blame on the Portland squad on the floor. "If they are mad, they should be mad at Earl [Barron], [Nicolas] Batum or whoever else was in the game, for not calling out that screen.”

It will be interesting to see how the Portland faithful respond to Cardinal, if and when he steps onto the court tonight. The Rose Garden crowd is often regarded as one of the best and most passionate crowds in the league and their presence is sure to be felt.