The Portland Trail Blazers starting five is unknown.  There are many projections for how the season will start and ultimately how it will end.  Most speculating that the maturation of Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez will answer some questions.  As with most, I speculate the starting five will include Oden, Aldridge and Roy as guarantees.  At the center position, Joel Pryzbilla will see a lot of playing time to ensure "the knee" holds up through the season.  Aldridge is backed by Frye, newly acquired Ike Diogu and the seldom used Raef LaFrenz.  Roy will be backed by Rudy Fernandez- then Bayless.  Bayless will start the season training for the PG position but will probably see plenty of time filling both positions.   The other positions are open to the intense competition within a young, hungry squad.  Outlaw is moving from PF to SF where he will give Martel Webster a run for the starting spot.  The nod will most likely be determined by the team the Blazers are playing.

Ending the Season: it is widely believed that Jerryd Bayless would play point.  B-Roy at Shooting Guard.  Oden at Center.  Aldridge at Power Forward and either Webster, Outlaw or Fernandez at the Small Forward position. 

Predictions for Playoff Spots in 2009: (In order) New Orleans, LA Lakers, Portland, San Antonio, Utah, Phoenix, Dallas, Minnesota.  Put it in the books.  It's official.  I don't believe Houston will make the playoffs without Yao (because his mid-season injury is almost as predictable as a 24 hour work-day.  Memphis may surprise people.  Although not because of the Mayo.  Moreso because of the younger Gasol- who is said to be more of a presence than big brother Pau.  I don't like Denver's defense because they simply don't have any- especially since trading away Canby.  Oklahoma is not close because they simply have no history (ok... that was bad).  Golden State falls out of the picture and looks to be out for awhile.  Nothing about that roster stands out and excites anyone.  The Clippers?  Well, they are the Clippers and that's all I really need to say.  Lastly, Sacramento makes me feel like it's Golden State South.  As for the order of the teams that will make the playoffs.  New Orleans has a chemistry driven by a CP3.  They are young and play nasty.  This year was a break-through year.  I suspect that they are contenders for awhile.  The Lakers at number two because they didn't do much to improve their roster.  Kobe is still the best steak in the west, he just needs more from everyone.  Portland at three is just optimism becoming reality.  These happy, go-lucky kids will turn nasty when they hit the court.  My only concern with this team is how will minutes affect a great chemistry.  Minnesota as the 8th seed because of the Love and Miller lite.  The fact that every supposed expert still thinks Love is a cupcake will be eating his words by the break.  Love will be Elton Brand Jr. with 20/10 and is a top pick for Rookie of the Year (only because Oden will be spared minutes for the playoff run). 

That's it.  Predictions that will be fact.  Place your bets...  Oh yeah- Portland will be in the Western Conference Finals in 2009.  Go Blazers.