Knicks at Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are hoping a favorable schedule will help them chase down the Denver Nuggets for the final Western Conference playoff spot. Portland hosts the New York Knicks on Thursday and plays nine of its final 12 regular-season games at home as it tries to overcome a 1 1/2-game margin behind the Nuggets.
The Trail Blazers' home-friendly stretch actually is 10 of their final 13 and they didn't take advantage of the first opportunity as they fell 93-90 to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. "It's good to be at home, but we know it doesn't guarantee anything," Portland coach Terry Stotts told reporters after the loss. "We have to play with the same energy we did this last three games on the road trip. ... It's going to be a grind. It's not going to be easy." New York has lost three straight games and eight of its last 10 after suffering a 108-101 loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Knicks point guard Derrick Rose's availability is uncertain after injuring his right foot Wednesday but coach Jeff Hornacek said afterwards that X-rays were negative.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBATV, MSG (New York), KGW (Portland)
ABOUT THE KNICKS (27-44): Rose indicated after the contest that he will decide at some point Thursday whether or not to play, saying "if I feel limited, there's no point." Hornacek recently said he will begin holding out some players when there is a back-to-back — such a philosophy could keep Rose on the sidelines — and that is something that All-Star small forward Carmelo Anthony isn't wild about but he will accept. "My role won't change as far as helping guys out," Anthony told reporters. "When I'm out there, I'll play. When I'm not, I'll help everyone else. I'll still come in here and get my work done."
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (32-38): Standout point guard Damian Lillard is on a roll by scoring 25 or more points in a career-best seven straight games. Lillard is averaging a staggering 34.9 points during the stretch with five 30-point outings, topped by a 49-point splurge against the Miami Heat on Sunday. Power forward Meyers Leonard is attempting to play through hip and back issues that are limiting his effectiveness and he has scored two total points over the past four games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. PF Kristaps Porzingis scored 31 points as the Knicks recorded a 107-103 home victory over the Trail Blazers on Nov. 22.
2. Anthony scored 16 points against the Jazz and has only two 20-point outings this month.
3. Portland swingman Evan Turner is averaging 2.7 points on 4-of-21 shooting in three games since returning from a broken hand.