PROTECT THE PAINT

Marcus Camby became the latest casualty to join the Portland Trail Blazers walking wounded, spraining his ankle after playing 5:13 minutes of the first quarter.

Camby now joins Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla as the latest Blazers center to succumb to an injury. Perhaps there’s a curse against the Blazers center position? Did Greg Oden’s nude photos cast some sort of karmic spell against them?

The Blazers have had incurred more injuries this year than (roughly) the majority of the league combined.

Portland's playoff chances ride on Camby's recovery (Credit:Yahoo Sports)

Fortunately Portland was playing against the atrocious New Jersey Nets, and could have won the game regardless if they had a center on the floor or not. No seriously, Brandon Roy and 4 NBA D League players could potentially overthrow New Jersey.

The 37-year-old Juwan Howard was again summoned back into the middle, and finished the game with 9 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes.

There are pressing issues Portland now faces. They looked to secure a playoff spot with the acquisition of Camby. The trade was made to fill the middle knowing Howard can’t last 25-30 minutes on a nightly basis at age 37.

The good thing the Blazers can hope for is Camby living up to his reputation for being a warrior and battling through injuries and continuing to play. Depending on the severity of the injury, Camby should return to the lineup earlier than predicted.

He will likely strap on the tape, and grind out some tough, much needed minutes to help the Blazers. After having suffered on the Clippers for the past two years, any hint at a playoff birth is motivation to fight past a gimpy ankle endure.

Ultimately, the Blazers season now rides on Camby’s resilience.

Similar Posts:

• Clippers trade Marcus Camby to Portland
• Juwan Howard is 37 and the Trail Blazers Starting Center
• Brandon Roy: Superstar Elite
• Gerald Wallace joins Portland Trail Blazers
• Greg Oden Is On The Scene