Trail Blazers at Hornets
THE STORY: One thing is certain: a team will leave New Orleans Arena on Monday evening with a four-game losing streak. The Portland Trail Blazers have gone from the darlings of the Western Conference to a team with several question marks over the last week, especially at the defensive end. The Blazers have allowed an average of 104.3 points in the last three games and have gotten inconsistent production from the backcourt combination of Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford. The New Orleans Hornets, who host Portland on Monday, have more problems at the offensive end, where they put up just 87.5 points. The Hornets broke out for a season-high 99 points on Saturday but could not keep up with the Memphis Grizzlies in a 108-99 setback. It was just the second time all season that New Orleans had allowed a team to reach the century mark.
TV: 3 p.m. ET, CSNW (Portland), CST (New Orleans)
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (7-5): Content to outscore teams while opening up with a 7-2 record, Portland has not had much luck with that tactic of late. The Blazers have pushed the tempo with Felton running the point but have had some off shooting performances, leading to easy transition baskets for the opposition. Aside from Nicolas Batum’s 6 of 7 performance from beyond the arc, Portland shot just 3 of 19 from 3-point range in a 107-105 overtime loss at Houston on Saturday.
ABOUT THE HORNETS (3-9): New Orleans won its first two games but has dropped nine of 10 while Eric Gordon sits with a knee injury. The young shooting guard, who was the key to the Chris Paul trade, is expected back sometime soon. Also missing is forward Trevor Ariza (groin), who has been out seven straight games. Gordon and Ariza each have the skills to drive to the basket and stretch defenses beyond the arc, two things with which the Hornets are currently struggling.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Portland C Marcus Camby (ankle) is expected to miss his second straight game Monday.
2. Blazers F Gerald Wallace is averaging 20 points at home and 7.2 on the road.
3. New Orleans has taken three of the last four in the series.