There's no other way to put it, Rip City. Tonight's playoff game, at home versus the Denver Nuggets, is a must win. Denver crushed Portland in game five on Tuesday, which was a demoralizing loss, but redemption could be had tonight at the Moda Center. However, if the Blazers lose this one, their season is over and this magically weird ride will come to an end. The seven game series currently sits at 3-2, in Denver's favor, so if the Blazers win tonight, they'll travel to Denver for game seven. Fingers crossed!

Tonight's game rests firmly on the shoulders of team captain Damian Lillard. He's been good this series, but Denver's defense has been relentless, holding Lillard to, well, mortal levels. He'll need to break out tonight and inspire his teammates to do the same. Toward the end of their game five blowout loss Lillard reportedly approached each of his teammates and encouraged them not to let the fire die. "We just need to get back here," he told them.

Starting forwards Moe Harkless and Al-Farouq Aminu have been in a bit of a slump, shooting poorly from long range, and struggling to contain Denver's skilled front court attack. Tonight will need to be a different story. Enes Kanter, Portland's center, must meet a particular set of challenges, facing off against the best center in the league, Nikola Jokic. Kanter has a separated shoulder, a condition he's vowed to play through. In the past he's been able to use painkillers to help, but now it's Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, and he has committed to fasting, drinking no liquids, and taking no medication from dawn until sundown. The game starts at 7:30 pm. Sunset in Portland is at 8:27 pm.

So this is it, Blazer fans. Does the season end tonight? Come cheer on your team if you can, or gather with your friends in front of the TV to push for this most excellent season to last just a bit longer. The game will be nationally broadcast on ESPN. Do or Die!