Oct 17

J.J. Hickson will start at center over Joel Freeland and Meyers Leonard

Stotts: “All three guys will probably play, but I like J.J.’s activity and energy in the starting position. He played well against the Lakers and the other two guys got starts and just going back with J.J.

Expectations for Nolan Smith as the starting point guard

Stotts: “I want him to run the team, I want him to make good decisions, I want him to push the tempo. Defensively he’s got a challenge whether Lawson plays or Andre, he’s got a defensive challenge. Like I said, run the team. It’s tough being the point guard, you’ve gotta make decisions, get the ball where it needs to be, you’ve gotta direct the offense, so those are the things I’m looking for.”

Smith: “I’m excited to play. I’m excited to play in front of our fans and put on a good show and play. As a team we’re still working on the things we’re working on and when we get out there I’m gonna look to run the team and make sure we’re getting good shots offensively and be the face of our defense by pressuring the ball.”

With Lillard out the guard rotation will change, prepare to see Nicolas Batum at the two

Batum: “I’m gonna play some point tonight, [laughs] no, no. I know I’m gonna have to play some two now, especially on defense. Coach told me try to play the two sometime in the game when Sash[a Pavlovic] and Adam [Morrison] are on court with

This is the first of the preseason when the opponent has been scouted

Stotts: “We didn’t send an advance scout to watch preseason games, but we’ve watched Denver’s three games. We prepared a defensive game plan for what they do, so the first three games we didn’t really prepare for the opponents, it was more about us, but at this stage of exhibition we want to get into our game prep.”

Everyone is excited to play for the Rose Garden crowd

Stotts: “I’ve said many times, this is a great home court. Coming in here over the years, having to play against the Trail Blazers. it’s always been a hard place to play. I want to establish that with our 8team, is that when teams come in here, with the help of the fans that this continues to be a hard place to play. I’m looking forward to it, like I said, it’s one of the best venues to play at in the NBA.”

Batum: “It’s been a long time, like six months, long time ago. I’m excited, this is our first home game so we want to win.”

LaMarcus Aldridge: “It’s gonna be fun to be at home. I’m happy to be home, it’s way way different playing here than on the road. Energy, having 16,000 on your side or being in Sacramento with 2,000, it’s a really, really big difference.”