#PORatMIL Preview
MILWAUKEE - The Northwest Division-leading Portland Trail Blazers have cooled considerably, particularly on the road.
A Milwaukee Bucks team that is playing better looks to make matters worse for the visitors.
The Trail Blazers try to avoid a sixth straight road loss Saturday night against the Bucks, who are seeking a third consecutive victory.
Portland (32-15) holds a comfortable 8 1/2-game lead on second-place Oklahoma City in the division. The Trail Blazers, though, are stumbling, losing seven of nine after winning eight of their previous nine. Their recent struggles have been especially glaring as the visitor, losing five straight games while surrendering an average of 106.8 points - almost 10 higher than their season mark.
Portland hasn't endured a longer single-season road skid since dropping seven straight from Feb. 6-March 6, 2013.
The team got closer to matching that mark Friday, losing 105-99 at Atlanta after leading following each of the first three quarters.
"If I could explain it then it wouldn't happen," forward LaMarcus Aldridge said. "It's part of the season. We just have to stick with it."
INJURY REPORT
Portland: Nic Batum (right wrist sprain) is probable. Robin Lopez (right hand fracture) is out. Joel Freeland (right shoulder strain) is out.
Milwaukee: Ersan Ilyasova (right groin strain) is questionable. Zaza Pachulia (right calf strain) is questionable. Damien Inglis (right ankle surgery) is out. Kendall Marshall (right knee ACL tear) is out. Jabari Parker (left knee surgery) is out. Larry Sanders (NBA suspension) is out.
Participation Status Key:
- Probable – 75% chance that the player will play in the game
- Questionable – 50% chance that the player will play in the game
- Doubtful – 25% chance that the player will play in the game
- Out – Player will not play in the game
Projected Starters
SF
PF
C
SG
PG
Season Series
Previous Games
Series Notes
- Portland has won 31 of the past 49 contests against the Bucks dating back to 1989-90.
- Thomas Robinson scored 15 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in his first career start on Dec. 17 against Milwaukee. He became the third Trail Blazer in franchise history to record 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in his first career start (Lucas, Walton).
- LaMarcus Aldridge has scored 20+ points in each of his past seven games against the Bucks while also hauling in at least 12 rebounds in five of the past seven contests between these two teams.
- The Trail Blazers swept the Bucks, 2-0, last season and are one win away from sweeping their third season series against Milwaukee in the past five years.
Promotions
In Portland's Last Game
With the loss, the Trail Blazers fall to 32-15 on the season and 12-10 on the road. They have now lost seven of their last 10 games and have fallen to fourth in the Western Conference standings. In contrast, the Hawks have now won a franchise-record 18-straight games.
The loss wasted yet another magnificent performance by LaMarcus Aldridge, who was named to his fourth-consecutive Western Conference All-Star team Thursday night. Seemingly showing no ill signs despite playing with a torn ligament in his left thumb, the 6-11 power forward went for 37 points on 15-of-24 shooting, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in 38 minutes.
The Hawks were led by Paul Millsap, who scored 21 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Six Atlanta players scored in double figures.
Next up, the Trail Blazers wrap up what turned into a three-game road trip Saturday night versus the Bucks in Milwaukee. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 pm.