As we start the countdown to tip-off, it's about that time again to go over starting lineups...

There are a few surprises from at least the initial report from the sidelines. LaMarcus Aldridge will most likely spend another night resting his plantar fascitis, and although it is tough to see him on the sidelines, I think it's best to take a cautious approach to any injury involving Aldridge, Roy, Oden or any other Trail Blazer for that matter.

For the Hornets, Small Forward Peja Stojakovic may come off the bench, but he's been battling injuries for the majority of the season. Morris Peterson, who was acquired in the off-season, and Rasual Butler have been splitting time while Peja works to get healthy.

For the Hornets, it's...

G - Chris Paul
G - Morris Peterson
F - David West
F - Rasual Butler
C - Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler has been an emotional wreck in previous games in the Rose Garden. In two of the previous 3 match-ups, the young center has been ejected.

The Trail Blazers roll out the usual suspects...

G - Steve Blake
G - Brandon Roy (yes, that's the former Rookie of the Year and the winner of back-to-back Western Conference Player of the Week honors)
F - Martell Webster
F - Channing Frye
C - Joel "The Thrilla" Przybilla

Early on, it's easy to pick out the "Keys to the Game." First off, containing Chris Paul must be priority number one. The Trail Blazers struggle at containing their opposition's point guard more than any other position, but tonight, that just can't happen. Paul is one of the foremost young stars in the NBA and he's perfectly capable of beating a team by himself.

Second is and always will be keeping the Hornets off the boards. Whether this depends on the Rose Garden fans, who can heckle Chandler into two technical fouls, or Joel Przybilla, who owns the Rose Garden glass, is yet to be seen, but if the Trail Blazers can win the battle of the boards, they'll win the game.

Lastly, it's getting offensive production out of their roster from top to bottom. Everyone's read the story about the "Black" and "White" units, so I don't think I'll explain it again, but if Channing Frye, Joel Przybilla, Jarrett Jack, Travis Outlaw, and James Jones can provide the same spark that they've contributed over the past 7 games, it'll go a long way towards making it lucky number 8 in a row!

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