It may be a little to early in the season to start floating around terms like 'must win,' but tonight's game against Atlanta is a big one for the Trail Blazers.

After losing their last four, including a heart-breaking defeat to Orlando, Portland is about to embark on their longest road-trip of the season. The six game trip begins Tuesday in Detroit, and no doubt the Trail Blazers would love to come in with some momentum.

Tonight's oppenent, the 6-8 Atlanta Hawks, are actually a younger team than Portland. But they have a legitimate superstar in Joe Johnson. The Hawks guard is the league's fourth-leading scorer, and has scored 30-plus points in his last three games. Ime Udoka gets the defensive assignment, and figures to have his hands full.

Speaking of Udoka, tonight the first-year Trail Blazer will shift over to shooting guard -- his natural position -- as Travis Outlaw will get his first start of the season in place of Martell Webster. Coach McMillan hopes coming off the bench will take some pressure off Webster, and hopefully help him regain his shooting touch.

Alright. The lights are dim, the speakers are pumping, and here come the Trail Blazers.

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