Trail Blazers at Celtics
THE STORY: After a 7-2 start, the Portland Trail Blazers have fallen on hard times and find themselves below .500 for the first time. Getting back to the break-even point will likely prove a challenge as the Trail Blazers visit the surging Boston Celtics on Friday. Portland fell 106-94 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday in the opener of a pivotal seven-game road trip that could determine whether the Blazers make the playoffs. Boston lost by 32 to Philadelphia on Wednesday, ending a five-game winning streak that moved the club back above .500.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, CS Northwest (Trail Blazers), CS New England (Celtics)
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (19-20): It appears that a four-game stint on the bench has invigorated Portland point guard Ray Felton. The former first-round pick has been solid in two games since returning to the starting role he briefly relinquished to Jamal Crawford, averaging 17 points and 9.5 assists while shooting 16 for 28 from the field. He has, however, struggled from long distance, making only 2 of 9 shots from 3-point range. He wasn't alone Wednesday as Portland went a collective 3 for 23 from beyond the arc against Minnesota.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (20-18): Things are good in Beantown following the Celtics' recent surge, but the rest of the season should provide a serious test. Boston has played the fewest road games in the NBA, which means plenty of traveling over the final seven weeks of the regular season. With the Celtics hosting only 10 of their final 28 games at TD Banknorth Garden, qualifying for the playoffs will require a significant improvement on their 5-10 road mark.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Boston won the previous encounter 88-78 in Portland on Jan. 27 with Ray Allen's 18 points leading the way.
2. Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, the subject of trade rumors as the March 15 deadline approaches, is averaging 12 assists over his last seven games.
3. Trail Blazers forward-center LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging a season-worst 16.5 points in March despite shooting a season-best 52.5 percent from the field.