The fireworks have exploded, the ball has dropped in Time's Square, and the New Year is set to get underway tonight at the Rose Garden as the Trail Blazers take on the Paul Pierce-less Boston Celtics.

Not only is it the first game of 2007, but it's also the first time point guard Sebastian Telfair has returned to the Rose Garden, since he was included in a draft day trade that sent shooting guard Brandon Roy to Portland.

Telfair's tenure in Portland was cut short last year by the improvement of point man Jarrett Jack, who swiped the young guard's starting spot prior to his departure. If nothing else, Telfair will be immortalized on DVD after starring in the ESPN documentary "Through the Fire."

Since losing Paul Pierce, the Celtics have struggled, losing 6 straight, including a 101-95 loss to the Sonics last night. Al Jefferson and Wally Szczerbiak will look to provide an inside-outside game, while Telfair, rookie Rajon Rondo, and Delonte West provide Boston coach Doc Rivers with options at the point position.

For the Trail Blazers, it's all about Zach Randolph. Randolph and Brandon R.O.Y. combined for 51 of the Trail Blazers 86 points in their game against the Jazz, and tonight should feature more of the same. Randolph's game is built to abuse power forwards like Al Jefferson, who aren't particularly intimidating shot blockers.

Expect Randolph to score about 50 points, with Roy following close behind with 40 of his own, as the Trail Blazers use the first game of 2007 to snap their 2 game losing streak.

Goooooooo Trail Blazers!

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