Trail Blazers at Warriors
THE STORY: Portland is reeling as it heads to Golden State on Wednesday for the second game of three consecutive games in three nights. The Trail Blazers lost their third in a row at home, 125-109 to Washington, and also lost power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who sprained his left knee just two minutes into the game. X-rays were negative, but he did not return and will not make the trip to Golden State. The Warriors have won four in a row over the Trail Blazers and 11 of the last 12 at home.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (15-14): Portland was lax and deflated after losing Aldridge, who let out a yell and needed help off the court after stepping on the foot of Travis Booker. “I think when he went down the life went out of us,” Marcus Camby said. “It’s sad but true.” Aldridge tweeted after the game: “I’m going to get back as soon as I can!” Nicolas Batum scored 33, tying a career high, and started in place of Wesley Matthews, who was 3 of 10 in a 97-94 double-overtime loss to Dallas on Saturday.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (11-14): Center Ekpe Udoh is doing all he can to earn coach Mark Jackson’s respect. He has at least two blocks in 13 of his 18 games and is plus-98. “I'm certainly pleased with what he's doing on the floor,” Jackson said. “Outstanding defense on the pick-and-roll, on the block, all over the place, altering shots. … The guy is playing great basketball and I'm really pleased that he's responding.” Jackson has rewarded him with more playing time, but he remains backup to Andris Biedrins.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Nate Robinson has career highs of 45 points (March 8, 2008) and eight 3-pointers (March 22, 2007) against the Trail Blazers.
2. Portland last lost three in a row at home between March 29 and April 6, 2008.
3. Trail Blazers guard Raymond Felton, who shot 4 of 17 against Dallas, was 2 of 5 for four points vs. Washington.