#PORvsGSW Preview
PORTLAND - The suddenly reeling Portland Trail Blazers aren't in danger of losing their lead in the Northwest Division, but the status of their top player has become a concern coming off a forgettable road swing.
With LaMarcus Aldridge expected to be out, the Blazers will try to avoid their longest losing streak in 23 months on Tuesday night when they host the league-best Golden State Warriors, who are a win away from clinching their first division title in 39 years.
Portland (44-24) was riding high during an 8-1 stretch following a 113-97 win at Atlantic Division-leading Toronto to open a five-game trip March 15. The squad, though, dropped the final four - including a humbling 111-104 loss at Orlando.
Things got only worse for the Blazers in a 97-86 defeat at Memphis on Saturday when Aldridge sprained his left index finger. X-rays were negative on the injury, which isn't related to the left thumb injury that cost him two games in January.
With a five-game advantage in the division and on fourth place in the Western Conference, Portland - which is 3-4 without Aldridge this season - isn't expected to rush the four-time All-Star back into the lineup.
INJURY REPORT
Portland: LaMarcus Aldridge (left index finger sprain) is doubtful. Nicolas Batum (low back pain) is doubtful. Chris Kaman (right shoulder strain) is doubtful. Wesley Matthews (torn left Achilles) is out.
Golden State: None.
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
Remaining Games
Series Notes
- The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 95-90 at the Moda Center on Nov. 2 behind 29 points from Klay Thompson (11-22 FG).
- In that game, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting and hauled in a game-high 13 rebounds.
- LaMarcus Aldridge has averaged 24.4 points and 14.4 rebounds in his past five games against Golden State (4 double-doubles). • Robin Lopez recorded a double-double against the Warriors on Nov. 2 (12 pts, 10 reb), and has scored 10+ points in four con- secutive games against Golden State.
- Stephen Curry has scored 30.1 points over his past eight games against Portland, including four games of 30+ points. Curry’s 36.0 ppg in four games against Portland last season was the second best average against the Trail Blazers by an opposing player. • Meyers Leonard scored a career-high 22 points against Golden State on Mar. 30, 2013.
- Trail Blazers forward Dorell Wright played two seasons for the Warriors, averaging 13.8 points in 143 games played (all starts).
In Portland's Last Game
“We really competed hard tonight,” said Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. “We played a good defensive game; the three-point line was the difference. They made a good amount of threes for them. I like the way we competed. It was a tough game, and we knew it was going to be a tough game on the road. They are a good team, especially at home.”
The loss moves Portland to 44-24 on the season and 16-18 on the road. The Trail Blazers finish the trip 1-4 and have lost four-straight for the first time this season.
“We knew it was going to be a tough trip,” said Stotts. “There were a couple of games where we would have liked to have gotten one or two more wins. We’re going to come back and we have four out of five nights coming back. The season continues, so we just have to get ready for the next game.”
Though the result was the same as the three previous games, the Trail Blazers played better defense Saturday versus the Grizzlies than they had for much of the trip, holding Memphis to 38 percent shooting in the second half and 42 percent for the night.
“I thought we did a very good job defensively,” said Stotts. “The first quarter, I thought, was misleading. They scored 35 points and shot a good percentage, but a couple of guys made threes you don’t expect. I like the way we competed defensively on the heels of last night and this being fifth game in seven nights… I thought it was a very good effort.”
After starting and playing regular minutes in the first half, both LaMarcus Aldridge (left hand injury) and Nicolas Batum (lower back injury) missed the second half of Saturday night’s loss.
“They both have been evaluated,” said Stotts. “LaMarcus was X-rayed negative but it’s painful. I admire the way he battles, but he does take a lot of punishment and he plays through pain. Nicolas’ back is sore, and he’s being evaluated.”