The following is my first observations on the Blazers schedule for the next season. The full schedule is available at:Blazers.com(Click on the link).

By the Numbers

Home Opener: 10/27 vs. Houston.

Road Opener: 10/31 at Houston.

Number of TNT games slated: 6.

Number of ESPN games slated: 10.

Number of ABC games slated: 1 (atLakersin April).

Longest Road Trip: 5 (Twice, MEM-MIN-NOLA, CHA and ATL in November and NJ-TOR-CHI-MN-MEM in February/March).

Longest Home Stand: 5 (MEM-LAL-CLE-MIL-ORL in January).

Number of back to backs: 19.

My thoughts by quarter of the season:

1st Quarter-As with last year, the Blazers start out strong early with five of their first six against playoff teams from last year. However, they then go into a reasonable stretch for most of November/December in which they should be able to build some wins.

2nd Quarter-Virtually without question the toughest part of the schedule, with all the big Eastern teams and a mammoth home-stand featuring the Fake Show, Cleveland and Orlando.

3rd Quarter-Reasonable schedule. Some tough stretches in there, including a mammoth stretch of three games with theJazzback to back with theSpursfollowed by our other Faker home game.

4th Quarter-Strong but finishes relatively weak. With the exception of games against Dallas and the Lakers, if the Blazers are in good shape for home court at this point they should be golden as they close with a fairly easy stretch.

My Top Game of each Month-

October (tie)-Vs/At Houston-Key to getting the season off on the right foot.

November-Vs. San Antonio 11/6-A key test against a likely rival for home court.

December-Vs. Denver-12/25-Its the Chirstmas game between the two teams likely to fight for the NW Division crown.

January-Vs. Cleveland-1/10-We got swept by them last year. If we want to join the elite, beating the Cavs would be a good start.

February-Vs. Fakers-2/6-Do you really need to know why this is a key game? Its the Lakers dude.

March-At Denver-3/7-Another key game in what is likely to be a close division race.

April-At Fakers-4/11-Our only Faker road game this year and a chance to make a statement before the playoffs.

Let me know what you think and GO BLAZERS!