MMPG: The FourCast

Hey, Lakers. Remember me? (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images) 1. Portland at Denver (Monday) Of note: The first end of back-to-back games between the teams tied for the best record in the Northwest Division. Portland has won two in a row, with Brandon Roy emerging as a legitimate star, while Denver has lost its past three, as the Chauncey Billups honeymoon hits a bump. 2. San Antonio at Phoenix (Thursday) Of note: Terry Porter won his first game as coach of the Phoenix Suns with a season-opening victory in San Antonio, snapping a string of 11 straight season-opening victories for Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan. In the past two months, the Suns have made a major trade for Jason Richardson, while the Spurs have overcome some early struggles. But neither team would have home-court advantage in the Western Conference if the season ended today. 3. Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers (link)