By Michael A. De Leon | October 30, 2007 | Print Print

Tonight, just months after celebrating their fourth championship in the visitor’s locker room at Quicken Loans Arena, the Spurs start the season with game one of 82 in what they hope to be the season they win back-to-back titles.

Their first casualty: the Portland Trailblazers, who get to watch as the Spurs receive their rings and raise the fourth championship banner in the AT&T Center.

Just a month ago, things were starting to look bright on the Blazers front, as they had Greg Oden to man the center spot alongside a young, but promising lineup that included rookie of the year Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, who should be a candidate for most improved player this season.

With Oden gone due to a season-ending injury, they start the season with a starting lineup of Joel Pryzbilla, Aldridge, Martell Webster, Roy and either Jarrett Jack or Steve Blake at the point.

Again, while the Blazers lineup looks promising, don‚Äôt expect them to start making any noise until at least next season. As far as this season, I wouldn‚Äôt be surprised to see Roy in a suit at the MSG theater for the draft lottery once again.

The Spurs will likely start Fabricio Oberto, Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley and Tony Parker.

The marquee matchup will be between Roy and Bowen. If Bowen is able to lock down Roy, it’ll be a long night for the Blazers. I’m also interested in seeing Aldridge against Duncan. Aldridge had a decent rookie year, but now with his spot secure in the starting lineup and with more minutes coming his way, Blazers fans are excited to see what kind of sophomore season Aldridge has. But his first test of the season couldn’t be any tougher.

I’m also interested in seeing how Ime Udoka does in his regular season Spurs debut against his former team. And with Beno Udrih gone and Jacque Vaughn injured, I‚’m expecting Darius Washington will be on the active roster and get some minutes backing up Parker, unless Pop opts for using Brent Barry at backup point guard.

I’m predicting a double digit win with the Spurs starting the season off 1-0. Rob Houston of the Inferno also said in our Spurs vs. Blazers preview podcast that while he’d like to say the Blazers can ruin the Spurs ring night, he also expects the Spurs to beat the Blazers handily. Also, make sure to check out Rob’s preview of tonight’s game from a Blazers perspective.

The game is at 7 p.m. central on TNT. Come back during the game for our live game blog.