Trail Blazers at Mavericks
The Portland Trail Blazers attempt to halt a six-game road losing streak when they visit the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Portland hasn’t won away from home since beating the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 11 and winning in Dallas could be a tough task as the Trail Blazers have lost 23 of their last 29 visits. The Mavericks experienced a four-game losing streak but have emerged to win four of their last five games.
Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds for his fifth straight double-double in Portland’s 108-87 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday but partner Damian Lillard continues to struggle from 3-point range. Lillard is in a deep shooting slump, missing all 11 3-point attempts over his last two games to fall to 2-of-30 from long range over the past four games. Mavericks guard Monta Ellis scored 21 points in a 101-78 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday to record his 25th 20-point game of the season.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, CSN Northwest (Portland), FSN Southwest (Dallas)
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (34-16): Aldridge’s 25th double-double of the season was also the 220th of his career and broke a tie with Sidney Wicks for most in franchise history. “I think if I would have told people I’d be No. 1 in double-doubles, they would have laughed,” Aldridge told reporters. “First few years of my career I was a 17 (points) and eight (rebounds) guy, so I think it just shows the growth that I’ve tried to have year to year.” Aldridge is averaging 26.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in six games since deciding to play through a thumb injury.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (34-18): Center Tyson Chandler continued his strong play with 16 points and 16 rebounds against Sacramento for his 22nd double-double of the season. He made 7-of-9 shots against the Kings – one night after being 8-of-9 against Golden State – and is 31-of-39 shooting over the last five contests while averaging 14.8 points and 13 rebounds. “He’s as important as any guy we’ve got,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. “We’ve got a lot of important players. He’s kind of the heartbeat of our team in a lot of ways.”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Dallas is 6-0 against Portland when F Dirk Nowitzki scores 30 or more points.
2. The Mavericks have made at least 10 3-pointers in each of their last six games.
3. Trail Blazers C Chris Kaman (back) is questionable after sitting out against Phoenix.