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There are a couple of key differences between the Portland Trail Blazers and the just-covered Raptors, and very few of these provide support for Rip City's better chances. The Blazers were thin last year, buttressing a elite starting five with next to nothing off the seat. Bringing in Chris Kaman and Steve Blake doesn't feel as a Fantastic remedy. Obviously, second-year shield C.J. McCollum needs to see his role increase this year, and he's got the combo-guard skills to produce an impact. Head coach Terry Stotts seems to be leaning toward him as a first man; McCollum directed all Blazers reserves in minutes per game during the preseason. For all this, it's difficult to grasp why Portland is seen as a bigger title hazard than Toronto. The Blazers' convention is harder, their bench remains thinner and they finished the year at only 23-19 following a start. Portland is a good team, but it might not be much more than that. It is going to be around Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge and the rest of the starters to replicate that fifth-ranked offensive rating. If they can not do that, suspect defense and an underwhelming chair may finally hit among the past year's biggest surprises having a painful dose of reality. Read more: miami heat standings