Look for a Suns bounce back after Phoenix was blasted by Dallas, 111-95, two nights ago.

Portland, on the other hand, looked great in dispatching New Orleans at home, 112-94, this past Wednesday.

Phoenix isn't that bad, nor is Portland that good. The Trail Blazers, in fact, are going to struggle this season especially on the road. They have four new starters. One is C.J. McCollum, who scored 37 points against the Pelicans.

McCollum isn't going to be that hot again. The Trail Blazers caught the Pelicans playing on the second of back-to-back nights having just faced the defending world champion Warriors in a huge revenge spot.

Portland has failed to cover in six of its last eight visits to Phoenix. The Suns are going to have their intensity up not only for being embarrassed at home in their opener, but also because the organization is honoring popular Steve Nash.

Note, too, that the teams play at Portland on Saturday. So if the Suns break to a big lead, Portland coach Terry Stotts may take it easy in order to set things up on Saturday for his team.