Hornets at Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers attempt to record their seventh consecutive home win against Charlotte when they host the Hornets on Tuesday. Portland has routinely cruised to victories over the Charlotte franchise and hasn’t suffered a home loss against Charlotte since March 29, 2008. The Hornets are 0-3 on the road this season after losing 107-92 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday in the opener of a four-game Western road swing.
Portland routed Charlotte 134-104 last January when it had a 52-30 rebounding edge and tied the franchise record of 21 3-pointers. Point guard Damian Lillard hit all six of his attempts from behind the arc and shooting guard Wesley Matthews went 5-for-6 as the Trail Blazers were 21-of-33. The Hornets will strive to play better defense on the perimeter and hit the boards harder while also aiming to avoid falling two games below .500.
TV: 10 p.m. SportSouth (Charlotte), CSN Northwest (Portland)
ABOUT THE HORNETS (3-4): Center Al Jefferson had 23 points in the loss to the Lakers to stretch his streak of 20-point outings to five. Jefferson (22.7) could use some help from the supporting cast as only point guard Kemba Walker (15.4) and backup shooting guard Gary Neal (13.6) are also averaging in double digits. One of the biggest disappointments has been guard Lance Stephenson, who is averaging eight points and shooting 30.6 percent from the field after being signed as a free agent in the offseason.
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (4-3): Chris Kaman is faring well as a backup center behind Robin Lopez and had 12 points and set season highs for rebounds (eight) and blocked shots (five) in Sunday’s win over Denver. “Sometimes (blocks) are there, sometimes you can go get them,” Kaman told reporters. “And sometimes guys are smart and they throw it up there or they’ll pass it off. You’ve just got to make sure you’re doing your job every time and hopefully you’ll have an opportunity to make those attempts at blocks.” Lopez is also playing well at 12.7 points and eight rebounds per game.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Trail Blazers have won eight of the past 10 meetings.
2. Walker scored 17 points in the loss to the Lakers for his fifth straight double-digit performance.
3. Portland SF Nicolas Batum is questionable after suffering a bruised right knee against Denver.