Sports Spotlight

Tuesday, December 30
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Boston Celtics

The Blazers have not only survived, but thrived despite the toughest early season schedule in the NBA. With Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Fernandez all clicking and Greg Oden slowly but surely getting his legs back, it’s time for Blazer fans to start expecting to win every home game, even against the defending champs.

Where: Rose Garden
When: 7pm
Tickets: 797-9600, trailblazers.com
Additional Home Dates: 12/9 vs. Orlando, 12/12 vs. LA Clippers, 12/16 vs. Sacramento, 12/18 vs. Phoenix, 12/23 vs. Denver, 12/25 vs. Dallas, 12/27 vs. Toronto

Sports Spotlight

Friday, December 26 – Tuesday, December 30
Les Schwab Invitational

Top local and national prep programs––and even some international teams––will be on display at Liberty High School this month for five days of high-quality hoops. This is a great opportunity to check out tomorrow’s stars today, with past participants including big time NBA ballers like Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant. Most days will offer a full slate of games from 9am to about 10pm, while Sunday will feature a slam dunk and three-point contest from 4–7pm.

Where: Liberty High School
When: Fri, Sat, Mon, Tues 9am; Sun 4pm
Tickets: lesschwabinvitational.com

Sports Spotlight

Saturday, December 20
Portland State Vikings vs. Montana Grizzlies

The Vikings were picked to repeat as Big Sky champs in both the preseason media and coaches polls, but both polls also had Montana as a solid second-place contender. This should be a good indicator of where the Viks stand in their first conference game of the season.

Where: Stott Center
When: 7:05pm
Tickets: 888-VIK-TIKS, goviks.com
Additional Home Dates: 12/6 vs. Seattle, 12/9 vs. Lewis & Clark

Sports Spotlight

Saturday, December 13
Pape’ Jam: Oregon Ducks vs. San Diego Toreros

The Ducks will make their annual visit to the Rose Garden this month, but it’ll be a very different Oregon team with Malik Hairston, Bryce Taylor and Maarty Leunen all having graduated. This year’s squad belongs to pint-sized gunner Tajuan Porter, dynamic forward Joevan Catron and a collection of intriguing young prospects like freshman center Michael Dunigan.

Where: Rose Garden
When: 5pm
Tickets: 877-789-ROSE, rosequarter.com
Additional Home Dates (all at McArthur Court): 12/7 vs. Kansas State, 12/13 vs. San Diego, 12/17 vs. St Mary’s, 12/20 vs. Portland, 12/29 vs. Long Beach State

Catch Him If You Can

Jeremiah Dominguez freezes his defender with a nasty crossover dribble, creates space and drains a three-pointer. Prior to that shot his Portland State Vikings were down by seven points early in the second half, but on this night, Dominguez doesn’t look like he plans on losing. Not on his home court. Not against his former team and current crosstown rival, the Portland Pilots. And especially not with all the lofty expectations his Vikings have to live up to this season. read full article

Touch & G.O.

It’s early October, and just five minutes into his first preseason game in a Trail Blazer uniform, Greg Oden is already gassed. His teammates have quickly made the transition from offense to defense, but all eyes in the Rose Garden remain fixed on the lumbering big man as he deliberately crosses halfcourt and makes his way to the post... read full article