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Portland Blazers

Conference: Western


Division: Northwest


In the News


Portland Trail Blazers add Bernie Bickerstaff, others to coaching staff
Longtime coaching veteran Bernie Bickerstaff has been named an assistant on Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan's staff.

Heat re-sign former Duke F Randolph (AP)
Shavlik Randolph is back with the Miami Heat. The team announced Tuesday that they have re-signed Randolph, a free agent forward. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Randolph appeared in six games last season with the Heat and Portland Trail Blazers. He began the season with the Miami and after he was waived in December, he signed with the Trail Blazers.

Vulcan CEO Tod Leiweke bolts to become Tampa Bay Lightning co-owner
Tod Leiweke is resigning as CEO of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment, the arm that oversees ownership of the Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Sounders FC.

2010 NBA free agents: Portland Trail Blazers sign Wesley Matthews
The Trail Blazers have signed shooting guard Wesley Matthews after the Utah Jazz declined to meet Portland's offer for the restricted free agent.

Report: Portland Trail Blazers reach agreement with Wesley Matthews
A person close to the negotiations says the Trail Blazers have reached an agreement to sign restricted free agent guard Wesley Matthews.

Thunder's Cho named Trail Blazers GM (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have appointed Oklahoma City assistant GM Rich Cho as the team's new general manager. Cho started out as an intern with the Seattle SuperSonics before moving up to assistant general manager. He stayed with the franchise when it moved to Oklahoma. The club fired former GM Kevin Pritchard on the day of the June draft.

Portland Trail Blazers name Rich Cho as general manager
The Portland Trail Blazers have named Oklahoma City assistant GM Rich Cho as Portland's new general manager.

Raptors-Suns in Vancouver exhibition (AP)
The Toronto Raptors will face Steve Nash and Phoenix in an exhibition game at Rogers Arena, and also plan to hold part of their training camp in Vancouver. The game against the Suns will be Oct. 6, the Raptors announced Monday. Nash, the two-time NBA MVP, grew up in nearby Victoria and played here last preseason, when Phoenix and Portland sold out an exhibition game.

Thunder's Cho named new Blazers GM
The Portland Trail Blazers have appointed Oklahoma City assistant GM Rich Cho as the team's new general manager.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets identify former Portland GM Kevin Pritchard as top choice
The New Orleans Hornets have identified a handful potential candidates for their front-office vacancy, with former Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard emerging early as the top target, according to sources with knowledge of New Orleans' thinking.

Jazz G Matthews inks Blazers offer sheet (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed restricted free-agent guard Wesley Matthews to an offer sheet. Matthews spent last season playing for the Utah Jazz as a rookie. The Jazz have seven days to match the offer. Financial details of the contract offer, announced Saturday by the Trail Blazers, were not disclosed.

2010 NBA free agents: Source says Portland Trail Blazers sign Wesley Matthews to five-year, $34M deal
The Blazers have signed Jazz shooting guard Wesley Matthews to a five-year, $34 million, according to a league source.

Celtics plan to sign Jermaine O'Neal (AP)
Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge says the team plans to sign six-time All-Star center Jermaine O'Neal. The contract is reportedly for the mid-level exception, about $5.76 million in the first year of a two-year deal. O'Neal has averaged 14 points and 7.5 rebounds in a 14-year career for Portland, Indiana, Toronto and Miami.

PG Blake says he has deal with Lakers (AP)
Steve Blake says he has agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Blake told Portland radio station 95.5 FM on Friday that he has a four-year deal with the two-time defending champions, who might lose starting point guard Derek Fisher in free agency. NBA teams can't sign players until next week.

Portland Trail Blazers waive forward Ryan Gomes after acquiring him in trade
The Trail Blazers have waived forward Ryan Gomes, who was acquired by Portland via a draft day trade with Minnesota.

Blazers waive F Gomes, acquired at draft (AP)
The Trail Blazers have waived forward Ryan Gomes, who was acquired by Portland via a draft day trade with Minnesota. Gomes, a five-year NBA veteran, averaged 10.9 points and 4.6 rebounds last season with the Timberwolves. Portland picked up Gomes and Luke Babbitt, the 16th overall pick, from Minnesota in exchange for forward Martell Webster.

Chaos subsides, new Portland Trail Blazers are introduced
Former Nevada teammates Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson are new Portland Trail Blazers and blissfully unconcerned -- at least for now -- about the team's front office turnover.

Blazers rookies look past GM's firing (AP)
Former Nevada teammates Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson are new Portland Trail Blazers and blissfully unconcerned -- at least for now -- about the team's front office turnover. Babbitt and Johnson wound up as Blazers after Portland's surreal draft night, when general manager Kevin Pritchard was fired beforehand but stuck around to help make the team's selections.

Sources: Portland Trail Blazers interested in Danny Ferry for general manager post
Former Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry has emerged as one of the first front-office targets of the Trail Blazers after they abruptly fired Kevin Pritchard on draft night, sources said.

Blazers set to move on after firing GM (AP)
Trail Blazers president Larry Miller makes it clear that Portland would like nothing better than to put the protracted drama involving general manager Kevin Pritchard in the past. After the popular Pritchard was fired just before the NBA draft got under way, Miller emerged somewhat uncomfortably and told fans that the Blazers were doing everything possible to lead the team to a championship.

Johnson goes to Blazers - Armon Johnson (G) Portland Trail Blazers
Blazers selected Nevada G Armon Johnson with the 34th pick of the draft.

Blazers bag Babbitt, Gomes in trade
The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Nevada shooter Luke Babbitt with the 16th overall pick and immediately shipped him and veteran Ryan Gomes to Portland for Martell Webster.

Wolves acquire F Webster from Blazers (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Nevada shooter Luke Babbitt with the 16th overall pick and immediately shipped him to Portland for Martell Webster. A person with knowledge of the trade told The Associated Press the deal was in place Thursday night. The person requested anonymity because the trade had not been officially announced.

Report: Blazers fire GM before draft (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers fired general manager Kevin Pritchard less than an hour before the start of Thursday's NBA draft, according to The Oregonian newspaper. Pritchard did not immediately respond to a phone message, and the Blazers did not comment. According to the report on the Oregonian's website, Pritchard remained part of the group conducting Portland's draft.

Report: Blazers fire GM as Draft starts
The Oregonian newspaper reports on its website that the Portland Trail Blazers fired General Manager Kevin Pritchard less than an hour before the start of the NBA Draft.

Portland Trail Blazers oust GM Kevin Pritchard, report says
The Portland Trail Blazers have fired general manager Kevin Pritchard less than an hour before the start of the NBA draft, The Oregonian reports.

Report: Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen searching for new GM
With the NBA draft looming, the Portland Trail Blazers have a lot more issues than just who to take with the 22nd pick.

Blazers mum on future of GM Pritchard (AP)
With the NBA draft looming, the Portland Trail Blazers have a lot more issues than just who to take with the 22nd pick. From the looks of it, the Blazers -- at least the part of the team that doesn't actually suit up -- are in disarray. The tumult is centered around Kevin Pritchard, who has been left squirming in the general manager's seat for the past several months.

Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors swap second-round picks
The Portland Trail Blazers are paying the Golden State Warriors to move up 10 spots in the second round of the draft.

New Orleans Hornets interview ex-New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank, Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams
The New Orleans Hornets continue to interview candidates for their vacant coaching job; former NBA head coach Lawrence Frank and current Portland assistant Monty Williams are the latest.

Philadelphia 76ers interview Suns' Dan Majerle, Blazers' Monty Williams for head coaching job
Phoenix Suns assistant coach Dan Majerle and Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams have met with the Philadelphia 76ers to discuss the team's vacant coaching job.

Report: New Orleans Hornets to interview Portland Trail Blazers assist Monty Williams
A person familiar with the meeting says Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams is traveling to New Orleans to interview for the Hornets' vacant head coaching position.

Report: Hornets to meet with Williams
A person familiar with the meeting says Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams is traveling to New Orleans to interview for the Hornets' vacant head coaching position.

Blazers excelled despite many injuries (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers, ousted from the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year, head into the offseason anything but bitter. The Blazers had adversity aplenty. Portland had lofty hopes coming into this season. The team had the formidable 7-foot tag-team of Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla at center, anchors Brandon Roy and forward LaMarcus Aldridge, and the addition of free agent...

Suns finish off Trail Blazers in 6 games (AP)
Jason Richardson wanted to be the wild card in the playoffs for the Phoenix Suns. So while the Portland Trail Blazers were focused on Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash, Richardson came up big for the third time in the first-round series, scoring 28 points in a 99-90 Game 6 victory Thursday night. The win sends the third-seeded Suns into the second round against seventh-seeded San Antonio, which...

Richardson's 3s help Suns eliminate Blazers
Jason Richardson scored 28 points, including five 3-pointers, and the Phoenix Suns advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a 99-90 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 6 on Thursday night.

Spurs blow 22-point lead, but oust Mavs (AP)
The Spurs moved on, and Dallas is done early again. Manu Ginobili scored 26 points and San Antonio survived blowing a 22-point lead to beat the Mavericks 97-87 in Game 6 on Thursday night, handing Dirk Nowitzki and second-seeded Dallas another first-round exit. The Spurs got payback after the Mavs eliminated them a year ago, and will play either Phoenix or Portland in the Western Conference...

Phoenix Suns oust Portland Trail Blazers
Jason Richardson scored 28 points, including five 3-pointers, and the Phoenix Suns advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a 99-90 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 6 on Thursday night.

Reserves spur Suns as Blazers near elimination
The Phoenix Suns overcame an early 14-point deficit to rout the Portland Trail Blazers 107-88 on Monday night and take a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Frye, Dudley spark Suns to Game 5 win (AP)
When the Phoenix Suns win in this playoff series, they win by a mile. Channing Frye and Jared Dudley rediscovered their shooting touch in a 107-88 rout of Portland on Monday night that has the Suns one victory away from eliminating the Trail Blazers from the playoffs. Frye scored 20 points and Dudley 19, the leaders of a Phoenix second unit that played a major role in putting the Suns up 3-2 in the...

Roy returns as Blazers stun Suns to even series
Brandon Roy made a surprising return from knee surgery and scored 10 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers evened their playoff series with the Phoenix Suns at two games apiece with a 96-87 victory on Saturday.

Roy returns, Blazers knot series at 2 (AP)
Brandon Roy made a surprising return from knee surgery and scored 10 points, including a key 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers evened their playoff series with the Phoenix Suns at two games apiece with a 96-87 victory on Saturday. LaMarcus Aldridge had 31 points and 11 rebounds for the Blazers, who unexpectedly activated Roy shortly before the game, eight days after...

Blazers tie Suns at 2-2 as Roy returns
Brandon Roy made a surprising return from knee surgery and scored 10 points, including a key 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers evened their playoff series with the Phoenix Suns at two games apiece with a 96-87 victory on Saturday.

NBA Playoffs: Brandon Roy activated by Portland Trail Blazers before Game 4 against Phoenix Suns
The Portland Trail Blazers unexpectedly activated guard Brandon Roy on Saturday shortly before the start of their playoff game against the Phoenix Suns.

Stunning move: Blazers activate Roy
The Portland Trail Blazers unexpectedly activated guard Brandon Roy on Saturday shortly before the start of their playoff game against the Phoenix Suns.

Suns rout Blazers for 2-1 series lead
Jason Richardson scored a playoff career-high 42 points and the Phoenix Suns dominated from the start in a 108-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night that gave them a 2-1 lead in their first-round series.

Richardson's 42 lead Suns to rout of Blazers
Jason Richardson scored a playoff career-high 42 points and the Phoenix Suns dominated from the start in a 108-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers that gave them a 2-1 lead in their first-round series.

Richardson's 42 carry Suns to 2-1 lead (AP)
Jason Richardson scored a playoff career-high 42 points and the Phoenix Suns dominated from the start in a 108-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night that gave them a 2-1 lead in their first-round series. The Suns led by as many as 31 points before Portland mounted a rally in the fourth quarter, closing within 91-80 after Rudy Fernandez hit three consecutive 3-pointers.

2010 NBA Playoff Central
Portland rebounds to win Game 4 and even its series with Phoenix.

Blazers F Batum re-injures shoulder (AP)
Portland forward Nicolas Batum re-injured his right shoulder late in the first half of the Trail Blazers' playoff game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Batum originally hurt his shoulder in Portland's 119-90 loss Tuesday night in Game 2 of the series. He was questionable going into Game 3, but started.

Suns tie series as tempo leaves Blazers in dust
The Phoenix Suns rediscovered their high-energy game in a 119-90 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night to square their first-round playoff series at one game apiece.

Suns rout Blazers 119-90 to tie series (AP)
Jason Richardson scored 29 points, Grant Hill made 10-of-11 shots for 20, and the Phoenix Suns rediscovered their high-energy style in a 119-90 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night to square their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. Unlike Game 1, Steve Nash pushed the Suns to their preferred tempo from the start and finished with 13 points and 16 assists.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum questionable for Game 3
The oft-injured Blazers got some better-than-expected news Wednesday about starting forward Nicolas Batum. An MRI showed he strained his right shoulder, and he is questionable for Game 3 of the first-round playoff series against the Suns.

Blazers F Batum questionable for Game 3 (AP)
It has been that kind of season for the Portland Trail Blazers: Hope for the best but expect the worst. The oft-injured Blazers got some better-than-expected news Wednesday about starting forward Nicolas Batum. An MRI showed he strained his right shoulder and was questionable for Game 3 of the first-round playoff series against the Suns.

Suns even series with rout of Blazers
Jason Richardson scored 29 points, Grant Hill made 10-of-11 shots for 20, and the Phoenix Suns rediscovered their high-energy game in a 119-90 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night to square their first-round playoff series at one game apiece.

Portland Trail Blazers sign Marcus Camby to two-year extension
Marcus Camby has signed a two-year contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Blazers reward Camby with two-year extension
Marcus Camby has signed a two-year contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Blazers sign C Camby to 2-year extension (AP)
Marcus Camby has signed a two-year contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed Tuesday. The 6-11, 235-pound center was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 16 in exchange for Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake. He started 23 regular season games for the Trail Blazers, reinforcing a position depleted by injuries to Greg Oden and Joel...

Short-handed Blazers slip past Suns in Game 1
Andre Miller scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and tied his career playoff high with 31 points as the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers stole homecourt advantage from Phoenix with a 105-100 victory over the Suns on Sunday night.

Miller keys Blazers' road win over Suns (AP)
Brandon Roy or no Brandon Roy, the Portland Trail Blazers give the Phoenix Suns fits. Game 1 of their first-round playoff series was no exception, and the homecourt advantage the Suns worked so hard to get is history after Portland pulled away over the final 4 1/2 minutes to beat them 105-100 on Sunday night.

Sources: Portland Trail Blazers hope to sign Marcus Camby to contract extension
The Trail Blazers are working toward securing Marcus Camby to a contract extension, according to sources with knowledge of the talks.

Trail Blazers look to slow sizzling Suns (AP)
Even without Brandon Roy, the Portland Trail Blazers could be no pushover for Phoenix. No team in the NBA has been better at disrupting the free-flowing offense of the Suns. In three games against the Blazers, two of them won by Portland, the Suns averaged 98 points, a dozen below Phoenix's league-best season average of just over 110 a game.

Blazers' Roy has knee surgery
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will miss one to two weeks.

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy has surgery, still possible to return
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will miss one to two weeks.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy to have knee surgery, miss playoffs
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will have surgery on Friday and will miss the playoffs.

Roy to have surgery, will miss playoffs (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will have surgery on his right knee on Friday and will miss the playoffs, the team announced. Roy, who averaged 21.5 points, needs the surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. The three-time All-Star was injured in Portland's 91-88 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers last Sunday.

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy will need surgery on torn meniscus after season
The night after Brandon Roy felt something in his knee go wrong he couldn't sleep, thoughts of 'what if?' tumbling though his mind. Maybe it wasn't so bad.

Blazers' Aldridge out with stomach virus (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge will not play in the regular-season finale against Golden State because of a gastrointestinal virus that landed him in the hospital. Aldridge was hospitalized on Tuesday night and was released Wednesday morning, Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. Aldridge is the Blazers' second-leading scorer with 17.9 points per game.

Camby leads Roy-less Blazers by Thunder (AP)
Marcus Camby scored a season-high 30 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-95 without injured guard Brandon Roy on Monday night. The loss locked the Thunder into the eighth spot in the Western Conference, meaning they'll face the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy will need surgery on torn meniscus after season
The night after Brandon Roy felt something in his knee go wrong he couldn't sleep, thoughts of 'what if?' tumbling though his mind. Maybe it wasn't so bad.

Blazers G Roy uncertain for playoffs (AP)
The night after Brandon Roy felt something in his knee go wrong he couldn't sleep, thoughts of 'what if?' tumbling though his mind. Maybe it wasn't so bad. But the next afternoon he got the news, and it wasn't good. He had torn the meniscus in his right knee -- just as the playoffs loomed for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy (bone contusion) sits vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy has a bone contusion in his right knee and will miss Monday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Blazers' Roy has bone bruise in knee (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy has a bone contusion in his right knee and will miss Monday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Roy is the Blazers' leading scorer with 21.8 points per game. He played 11 minutes in the first half against Los Angeles on Sunday before the Blazers ruled him out for the rest of the game.

Blazers sink Kobe, Lakers with late free throws
Martell Webster hit three free throws with 3.1 seconds left, and the Portland Trail Blazers improved their chances of avoiding the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs with a 91-88 victory over the defending NBA champions Sunday.

Blazers beat Lakers, improve positioning (AP)
Martell Webster hit three free throws with 3.1 seconds left, and the Portland Trail Blazers improved their chances of avoiding the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs with a 91-88 victory over the defending NBA champions Sunday. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher combined to miss three free throws in the final 6.9 seconds, and Pau Gasol missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the top-seeded Lakers, who have...

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy leaves game with sore right knee
Brandon Roy is missing the second half of the Portland Trail Blazers' game against the Lakers with a sore right knee.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant will play against Portland Trail Blazers
Kobe Bryant will play against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Dirk's 40 help Mavs clinch Southwest (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki scored 40 points, making a key 3-pointer with under three minutes left, and the Dallas Mavericks clinched the Southwest Division with an 83-77 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Nowitzki added 10 rebounds and was 17 for 17 from the free throw line for the Mavericks, who needed both the victory over Portland and a Memphis win over the Spurs.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant expects to play against Portland
Kobe expects to return after two games to play Portland on national TV.

Dirk's 40 fuel Mavs to Southwest Division crown
Dirk Nowitzki scored 40 points, making a key 3-pointer with under three minutes left, and the Dallas Mavericks clinched the Southwest Division with an 83-77 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion won't return against Portland Trail Blazers
Injured Mavericks forward Shawn Marion won't return against Trail Blazers.

Blazers move up in West race with win (AP)
Even after the Portland Trail Blazers moved up two spots in the Western Conference playoff picture with a single victory, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy claimed they don't care who they'll face in the first round of the playoffs. After all, the way they're finishing the regular season, it's clear the Blazers could be big trouble for anybody.

NBA D-League draws 1 million fans (AP)
The NBA Development League has drawn 1 million in attendance for the first time, with the expansion team in Maine playing to 100 percent capacity. The NBA's minor league drew a total of 1,043,261 fans, an increase of 6.6 percent from last year. The league had 16 teams this season, with Springfield, Mass., joining the Maine squad based in Portland.

Roy, Miller lift Blazers over Kings (AP)
Brandon Roy scored 24 points, Andre Miller added 23 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Sacramento Kings 98-87 on Saturday night. Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points each for the Trail Blazers, and Marcus Camby had 15 rebounds. Portland rebounded from a loss at Denver on Thursday night for its 10th victory in 12 games.

Nuggets F Andersen out with ankle injury (AP)
Denver forward Chris Andersen missed the Nuggets' game Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers because of a sprained left ankle. Andersen twisted his ankle midway through the fourth quarter of a 109-92 win over Portland on Thursday night when he came down awkwardly after trying to block a layup.

Nuggets break slump as Melo makes mark late
Carmelo Anthony scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Denver Nuggets rebound from a tough week to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 109-92 Thursday night.

Ginobili's 43 help Spurs outlast Magic (AP)
Manu Ginobili scored 43 points, his fourth 30-plus game since replacing Tony Parker in the starting lineup last month, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 112-100 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Tim Duncan had 23 points and the Spurs temporarily pulled themselves out of the last playoff seed in the West, where San Antonio is bunched up with Portland and Oklahoma City in a race to...

April Fool: Former Nuggets ball boy pull prank on Kenyon Martin
On a night when the Denver Nuggets should have been celebrating a much-needed victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, the franchise continued to struggle with off-the-court issues when an April Fools Day joke sparked anything but laughter.

Nuggets bounce back to beat Blazers (AP)
The Denver Nuggets are trying to put the brakes on a late-season slide that could cost them in the race for playoff position. The Nuggets took an important step Thursday night, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 109-92 behind a strong fourth-quarter effort from Carmelo Anthony, who scored 13 of his 25 points in the final period.

Blazers clinch playoff spot, beat Knicks (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan quickly congratulated his team after they locked up a playoff spot. Brandon Roy said his coach was all business after that. The Blazers didn't get much time to celebrate following their playoff-clinching 118-90 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Blazers clinch playoff spot, beat Knicks (AP)
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points before sitting out the final quarter and the Portland Trail Blazers clinched a playoff spot with a 118-90 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. The Blazers came into the game needing help to reach the postseason. San Antonio defeated Houston 119-102 and Dallas beat Memphis 106-102, meaning all Portland had to do was beat the Knicks to seal it.

Trail Blazers trip up Knicks, clinch playoff berth
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points before sitting out the final quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers clinched a playoff spot with a 118-90 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Blazers tie Thunder for 6th in West (AP)
Andre Miller scored 26 points, Brandon Roy added 20 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat Oklahoma City 90-87 on Sunday night to move into a tie with the Thunder for sixth place in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City trailed by as many as nine in the fourth quarter but had a chance to tie in the final seconds.

Blazers mathematically eliminate Hornets (AP)
Brandon Roy scored 28 points and the Portland Trail Blazers eliminated the New Orleans Hornets from playoff contention with a 112-101 victory Saturday night. Roy hit 11 of his first 12 shots, only two of them layups. He finished 12 of 14 in 32 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 points, and Nicolas Batum had 13 for Portland.

Mavs G Butler fined $25,000 for language (AP)
Dallas Mavericks guard Caron Butler has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for directing inappropriate language toward fans. Stu Jackson, the league's executive vice president of operations, made the announcement in a news release Saturday. The incident occurred with 9.9 seconds remaining in the second period of the Mavericks' 101-89 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday at the Rose...

Trail Blazers ride Aldridge to third win vs. Mavs
LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 10 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Dallas Mavericks for the third time this season, 101-89 on Thursday night.

Blazers sweep season series from Mavs (AP)
LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 10 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Dallas Mavericks for the third time this season, 101-89 on Thursday night. Marcus Camby added 17 points and 11 rebounds for Portland, which won the season series from the Mavericks for the first time since the 1998-99 season.

Portland Trail Blazers owner backs GM Kevin Pritchard as rumors swirl
Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen has issued a statement proclaiming his support of general manager Kevin Pritchard as rumors fly concerning Pritchard's future with the team.

Dudley rallies Suns past streaking Trail Blazers
Jared Dudley scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter and Grant Hill hit two key baskets, lifting the Phoenix Suns to a 93-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night for their fourth straight win.

Suns top Blazers for fourth straight win (AP)
Jared Dudley scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter and Grant Hill hit two key baskets, lifting the Phoenix Suns to a 93-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night for their fourth straight win. The loss ended Portland's five-game winning streak and was only the Trail Blazers' second defeat in nine games.

Roy's last-second shot lifts Blazers (AP)
Brandon Roy rebounded from a cold spell to hit a 22-foot jumper with 0.9 seconds left and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Washington Wizards 76-74 on Friday night. Roy, who averaged 27 points last week as the Western Conference player of the week, finished with 14 points for the Blazers, who have won five straight.

Portland Trail Blazers fire Tom Penn
The Portland Trail Blazers have dismissed Tom Penn as vice president of basketball operations.

Trail Blazers fire vice president Penn (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have dismissed Tom Penn as vice president of basketball operations. The team issued a statement that said Penn was dismissed Tuesday for "philosophical differences." No details were offered. Penn, who was regarded as a salary cap specialist, joined the Blazers as an assistant general manager in 2007.

Batum sparks Blazers to another win (AP)
Nicolas Batum scored 22 points, making five of six 3-point attempts, and the Portland Trail Blazers won their fourth straight with a 109-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Blazers, who have won nine of 11. Brandon Roy had 20 points.

Roy scores 41 as Blazers storm past Warriors
Brandon Roy scored 41 points, Andre Miller added 15 points and seven assists and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Golden State Warriors 110-105 on Thursday night.

Roy's 41 help Blazers rally by Warriors (AP)
Brandon Roy's first career win at Oracle Arena couldn't have come at a better time for Portland as it tries to hang on to the eighth spot in the Western Conference. Roy scored 41 points, Andre Miller added 15 points and seven assists and the Trail Blazers overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Golden State Warriors 110-105 on Thursday night.

Roy helps Blazers hold off Kings (AP)

Sacramento Kings head coach Paul Westphal shouts to his team in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in Portland, Ore.

Brandon Roy scored 19 points and hit a clinching jumper with just over two minutes left, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to an 88-81 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. The Kings pulled to a 74-all tie in the final quarter, but Roy's jumper with 2:07 remaining made it 85-78 and all but sealed it for the Blazers, who have won five straight against the Kings.




Anthony scores 30 as Nuggets top Blazers (AP)

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, left, works the ball inside as Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy defends in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points -- his third consecutive game with at least 30 points -- and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-106 Sunday night for their third straight victory. J.R. Smith added 22 points, Chauncey Billups had 21 points and Nene 14 for the Nuggets, who improved to 28-5 at the Pepsi Center, the third-best home record in the NBA behind Cleveland and the Los...




'Melo leads Nuggets over Trail Blazers
Carmelo Anthony hurt the Portland Trail Blazers with his shooting -- and passing. Anthony scored 30 points -- his third consecutive game with at least 30 points -- and the Denver Nuggets beat the Trail Blazers 118-106 on Sunday night for their third straight victory.

Anthony stays hot as Nuggets get past Blazers
Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points -- his third consecutive game with at least 30 points -- and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-106 Sunday night for their third straight victory.

Przybilla hurt badly in shower fall
Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla, already out for the season, slipped while taking a shower at his home and ruptured the right patella tendon again that he tore in December, team officials said.

Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla re-injures knee in shower slip
Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla, already out for the season with a ruptured tendon in his right knee, re-injured the knee while slipping in the shower Saturday and will require surgery again this week, the team said.

Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin out as pain in left knee worsens
Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was ruled out of Sunday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of continuing left knee soreness.

Roy, Batum power Blazers past Grizzlies (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers Nicolas Batum, middle, of France, drives to the basket between Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol, left, of Spain, and Zach Randolph, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Memphis, Tenn., Monday, March 1, 2010. Portland won 103-93.

Brandon Roy scored 25 points and Nicolas Batum added 21 as Portland erased a 14-point first-half deficit with a strong third quarter and defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 103-93 on Monday night. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 13, and Andre Miller scored 12 points and handed out 11 assists as the Trail Blazers ended their five-game road trip with four victories.




Blazers win 12th straight over Wolves (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Rudy Fernandez, right, drives past Minnesota Timberwolves' Wayne Ellington in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, in Minneapolis.

Nicolas Batum scored a career-high 31 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 21 and the Portland Trail Blazers cruised to another easy victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 110-91 on Saturday night. The Blazers have won 12 straight over the Wolves, including four victories this season by a combined 93 points.




Rose scores 33 to lead Bulls past Blazers in OT
Derrick Rose scored 33 points and Luol Deng added seven of his 23 in overtime to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 115-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Rose, Deng power Bulls by Blazers in OT (AP)

Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose (1)  drives to the basket around Portland Trailblazers' LaMarcus Aldridge during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, in Chicago. The Bulls defeated the Trail Blazers 115-111 in overtime.

Derrick Rose scored 33 points and Luol Deng added seven of his 23 in overtime to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 115-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Brandon Roy's jumper with 3:46 left in overtime gave the Blazers a 107-106 lead, but Kirk Hinrich answered for the Bulls with a driving layup, Deng made a fadeaway jumper, and Joakim Noah found Taj Gibson for a layup to...




Joakim Noah and Luol Deng will play for the Chicago Bulls on Friday night
Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro expects Joakim Noah and Luol Deng to play Friday night against Portland.

Miller, Roy lead Blazers past Raptors (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy, right, shoots on Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan during first-half NBA basketball game action in Toronto on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010.

Andre Miller had 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, Brandon Roy scored 20 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Toronto Raptors 101-87 on Wednesday night. Rudy Fernandez scored 17 points, Jerryd Bayless had 11 and Juwan Howard 10 for the Trail Blazers, who won their second straight to open a five-game road trip that will also take them to Chicago, Minnesota and Memphis.




Roy's late surge helps Blazers top Nets (AP)

New Jersey Nets' Chris Douglas-Roberts, right, runs into Portland Trail Blazers' Rudy Fernandez, of Spain, during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J.

Brandon Roy scored 10 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and the Portland Trail Blazers avoided blowing a big lead for a second straight game by holding off the New Jersey Nets 102-93 on Tuesday night. LaMarcus Aldridge added 27 points and Andre Miller had 20 as the Trail Blazers overcame an ankle injury to recently acquired center Marcus Camby in snapping a two-game losing streak and winning...




Portland Trail Blazers new center Marcus Camby out with ankle sprain
Blazers center Marcus Camby left Tuesday's game with a sprained ankle.

New Blazers C Camby sprains right ankle (AP)
Recently acquired center Marcus Camby sprained his right ankle in the first quarter of the Portland Trail Blazers game against the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night. Camby was hurt when Nets center Brook Lopez appeared to step on his ankle as both waited for a rebound. The Trail Blazers listed Camby's return as questionable.

Nets F Hayes out against Trail Blazers (AP)
New Jersey Nets starting forward Jarvis Hayes has been scratched from the game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a strained left calf. Hayes was hurt in the third quarter of Monday night's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Veteran Trenton Hassell replaced Hayes in the starting lineup on Tuesday night.

Jazz come from 25 down to win in OT (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez, left, from Spain, flips the ball out from under the basket as Utah Jazz guard Wesley Matthews, right, and forward Paul Milsap defend during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010.

Carlos Boozer scored on an offensive putback at the end of regulation to force overtime, then gave Utah its first lead since the opening minutes, and the Jazz rallied from down 25 in the third quarter to stun the Portland Trail Blazers 93-89 in overtime on Sunday night. Down 64-39 with 7 minutes left in the third quarter, Utah staged a shocking rally by outscoring the Blazers 44-19 over the final...




Allen's surge powers Celtics by Blazers (AP)

Boston Celtics' Rajan Rondo (9) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday, Feb 19, 2010.

Ray Allen scored 21 points, including eight straight early in the fourth quarter to stymie a run by Portland, and the Boston Celtics beat the Trail Blazers 96-76 on Friday night. Kevin Garnett scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half, helping the Celtics on the second night of a difficult West Coast two-step.




Camby makes Trail Blazers debut (AP)
Marcus Camby made his debut for Portland on Friday night against Boston. Nate Robinson's first game in a Celtics uniform is on hold thanks to the flu. Camby was in the starting lineup for the Trail Blazers, three days after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers to fill the void left by season-ending injuries to Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla.

Roy has rocky return, Blazers win (AP)

Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Kaman (35) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday,  Feb.  16, 2010.

Martell Webster scored 28 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 as the Portland Trail Blazers cruised to a 109-87 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers a few hours after the teams made a deal Tuesday night. Webster tied a career high by hitting seven 3-pointers, including four in the first half, to lead the Trail Blazers.




Portland Trail Blazers acquire center Marcus Camby from Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers traded Marcus Camby to the Blazers for Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake.

Blazers get Camby in multiplayer deal with Clippers
The Portland Trail Blazers are picking up needed help on the interior, acquiring Marcus Camby from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Steve Blake and forward Travis Outlaw.

Blazers acquire Camby for Blake, Outlaw (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers are picking up needed help on the interior, acquiring Marcus Camby from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Steve Blake and forward Travis Outlaw. The team announced the trade on Tuesday. ESPN.com and Yahoo! Sports were the first to report the deal, which also includes cash going to the Clippers.

Sources: Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers talking Marcus Camby deal
The Clippers are discussing a trade that would send Marcus Camby to the Blazers for Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake, sources said on Monday.

Injury-depleted Blazers hold off Suns (AP)
Steve Blake had 20 points and 12 assists, both season highs, and the depleted Portland Trail Blazers held off a late rally by Phoenix to snap the Suns' five-game winning streak 108-101 on Wednesday night. The Blazers, who led by as many as 22 in the third quarter and 17 in the fourth, shot 58 percent, the highest the Suns have allowed this season.

Suns have 5-game streak snapped by Blazers
Steve Blake had 20 points and 12 assists, both season highs, and the depleted Portland Trail Blazers held off a late rally by Phoenix to snap the Suns' five-game winning streak 108-101 on Wednesday night.

Durant's scoring surge continues as Thunder roll
Kevin Durant had 33 points and 11 rebounds to help Oklahoma City extend its season-high winning streak to six games with an 89-77 victory over Portland on Tuesday night.

Thunder ride Durant, win sixth straight (AP)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha(notes), left, from Switzerland, steals the ball from Portland Trail Blazers forward Martell Webster(notes) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010.

Kevin Durant had 33 points and 11 rebounds to help Oklahoma City extend its season-high winning streak to six games with an 89-77 victory over Portland on Tuesday night. It's the 25th straight game that Durant has scored 25 or more points -- the longest streak since Allen Iverson did it in 27 consecutive games during the 2000-01 season.




Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Kaman replaces Brandon Roy in All-Star game
Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman was named to the Western Conference All-Star team, replacing Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, who has an injured right hamstring.

Lakers end nine-game skid in Portland
Lamar Odom thinks the reason the Los Angeles Lakers finally snapped a nine-game losing streak in Portland was because they didn't have Kobe Bryant.

Injured Kobe watches Lakers top Blazers (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers' Ron Artest(notes) passes the ball as Portland Trail Blazers' Martell Webster(notes) defends in the second half during their NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, in Portland, Ore. The Lakers defeated the Trail Blazers 99-82.

Lamar Odom thinks the reason the Los Angeles Lakers finally snapped a nine-game losing streak in Portland was because they didn't have Kobe Bryant. But he meant no disrespect. "I think it made us a little more focused as a group, to come in here and do whatever we had to do to stay in the game," said Odom, who matched his career high with 22 rebounds to go with 10 points in the...




Kobe Bryant sits at Portland because of sprained ankle
Kobe Bryant sat out tonight's game at Portland because of a sprained ankle.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy to sit out until after the All-Star Game
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss the next three games and the All-Star game with a right hamstring injury.

Aldridge helps rally Blazers past Spurs (AP)

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker(notes) stretches before their NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010.  This is Parker's first game back playing after he suffered an ankle sprain in their Jan. 27 game against the Atlanta Hawks.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 28 points and 13 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers rallied for a 96-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. The Spurs led by 10 points early in the fourth quarter but the Blazers made it 85-83 on Nicolas Batum's layup. After Manu Ginobili hit a jumper for the Spurs, Martell Webster's 3-pointer narrowed it to 87-86 with 3:38 left.




Trail Blazers rally late, sweep series with Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge had 28 points and 13 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers rallied for a 96-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.

NBA investigating incident in which Mavericks fans walked into Portland Trail Blazers' huddle
NBA investigating how two female Dallas Mavericks fans made their way into the Portland Trail Blazers' huddle.

Matthews steps up, lifts Jazz to seventh straight
Deron Williams had 13 points and 13 assists, and rookie Wesley Matthews had 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting to help the Utah Jazz win their seventh straight game, 118-105 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

Jazz beat Blazers, win seventh straight (AP)

Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap(notes) (24) comes away with a rebound against Portland Trail Blazers center Juwan Howard(notes), right,  during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, in Salt Lake City.

Deron Williams had 13 points and 13 assists, and rookie Wesley Matthews had 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting to help the Utah Jazz win their seventh straight game, 118-105 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. Mehmet Okur scored a season-high 28 points and had eight rebounds, and Andrei Kirilenko added 22 points, eight assists and six rebounds for Utah.




Aldridge leads Blazers past Bobcats (AP)

Charlotte Bobcats' Stephen Jackson(notes) and Portland Trail Blazers' Dante Cunningham(notes) (33) go for a rebound during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, in Portland, Ore.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 17 points and Nicolas Batum and Jerryd Bayless had 15 points each and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Charlotte Bobcats 98-79 Monday night. Portland, which had lost its previous two home games, got off to a 10-2 start and never looked back in ending Charlotte's three-game winning streak.




Miller's 52 help Blazers top Mavs in OT (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Rudy Fernandez(notes) (5) of Spain passes around the Dallas Mavericks' Rodrigue Beaubois(notes) (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, in Dallas.

Andre Miller scored a career-high 52 points, including 25 in the fourth quarter and overtime, and Juwan Howard hit a jumper with 44.8 seconds left to lift the Portland Trail Blazers past the Dallas Mavericks 114-112 Saturday night. Miller was 22 of 31 from the floor and hit 7 of 8 from the foul line as the Blazers snapped a three-game losing streak.




Rockets PG Lowry out at least a week (AP)
Houston Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry will be out at least a week with a sprained left knee. The Rockets said Lowry had an MRI exam on Saturday that confirmed the injury he sustained in Friday's win over Portland. The 6-foot Lowry came up limping after colliding with LaMarcus Aldridge on a drive in the second quarter.

Rockets snap 3-game home skid (AP)

2006 Olympic gold medalist speedskater Chad Hendricks attends a Houston Rockets NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, in Houston.

Aaron Brooks scored 33 points, Carl Landry added 21 and the Houston Rockets snapped a three-game losing streak at home with a 104-100 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Brooks reached 30 points for the fifth time this season, and Luis Scola and Trevor Ariza added 12 points apiece for the Rockets, who've won 12 of the last 13 regular-season meetings with the Blazers in...




Jazz start strong, hold off Blazers (AP)

Utah Jazz's Carlos Boozer(notes) smiles after scoring against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, in Portland, Ore.

Deron Williams scored 24 points and the Utah Jazz scored 21 of the first 23 points and went to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 106-95 on Wednesday night. Utah led by as many as 26 points during the first half. The Jazz won for the eighth time in nine games and took over second place in the Northwest Division.




Blazers' Oden apologizes for nude photos
Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is apologizing for nude photos that have surfaced on the Internet.

Paul's jumper lifts Hornets in Portland (AP)

New Orleans Hornets forward David West(notes), left, blocks a shot attempt by Portland Trail Blazers center Jeff Pendergraph(notes) while Hornets center Emeka Okafor(notes), right, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Monday, Jan. 25, 2010.

Chris Paul made a 15-foot jumper with 3.8 seconds remaining, lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 98-97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. With the Hornets trailing by a point, Paul was left wide open at the free throw line when he caught a pass and buried the shot. Paul led all scorers with 24 points, and also had 12 assists.




Blazers' Oden apologizes for nude photos (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is apologizing for nude photos that have surfaced on the internet. Oden says the pictures, taken with his cell phone and sent to a former girlfriend, were taken about 1 1/2 years ago. A friend told the 21-year-old Tuesday morning that the pictures were making the rounds on the internet.

Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden apologizes for nude photos online
Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is apologizing for nude photos that have surfaced on the internet.

Beat-up Portland Trail Blazers finally get Nicolas Batum back on court
Blazers forward Nicolas Batum made his season debut after shoulder surgery.

Short-handed Trail Blazers take care of Pistons
Martell Webster scored a career-high 28 points to help the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers beat the Detroit Pistons 97-93 on Saturday night.

Webster's 28 lift short-handed Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) (12) takes a shot against Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace(notes), left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Martell Webster scored a career-high 28 points to help the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers beat the Detroit Pistons 97-93 on Saturday night. LaMarcus Aldridge added 21 points, and Andre Miller added 11 points and 13 assists as Portland earned a split of a four-game trip despite using just eight players.




Brandon Roy (hamstring) to miss Portland Trail Blazers' next two games
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss the team's next two games after aggravating a right hamstring injury.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jerryd Bayless sidelined after left ankle injury
Jerryd Bayless, who started in place of Roy on Friday night, left in the third quarter with a sprained left ankle and did not return.

Celtics earn OT win in Garnett's return (AP)

Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen(notes), center, shoots between Portland Trail Blazers guard Andre Miller(notes), left, and forward Rudy Fernandez(notes) of Spain, right, during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Friday, Jan. 22, 2010.

Ray Allen was just 2 for 13 when he hit a 3-pointer with 42 seconds left in overtime to give the Boston Celtics a 98-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. LaMarcus Aldridge followed with a missed 3-pointer, and after a scramble at midcourt Allen wound up with the ball and passed it ahead to Tony Allen for the breakaway dunk.




Kevin Garnett back in lineup for game vs. Portland
Doc Rivers: KG looked great during workout

Re-injured hamstring to keep Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy out four games
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss four games because of a right hamstring injury.

Blazers don't miss Roy, roll on to defeat 76ers
Former 76ers guard Andre Miller scored 24 points and Jerryd Bayless had 14 of his 18 in the fourth quarter, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 98-90 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

Miller, Bayless lead Blazers over 76ers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy(notes), left, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers' Andre Iguodala(notes) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, in Philadelphia.

Former 76ers guard Andre Miller scored 24 points and Jerryd Bayless had 14 of his 18 in the fourth quarter, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 98-90 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday night. LaMarcus Aldridge added 23 points for the Trail Blazers, who played the second half without two-time All-Star guard Brandon Roy, who left with a strained right hamstring.




Brandon Roy misses 2nd half of the Portland Trail Blazers game vs. 76ers
Portland guard Brandon Roy missed the second half of the Trail Blazers' game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night because of a strained right hamstring.

Blazers G Roy day-to-day with hamstring (AP)
Portland guard Brandon Roy missed the second half of the Trail Blazers' game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night because of a strained right hamstring. Roy, who is averaging 23.4 points, grabbed his right thigh after banking in a 10-footer with 1:02 left in the second quarter. The Blazers said Roy would not return and is listed as day-to-day.

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy out again with injured hamstring
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss his second straight game because of a sore right hamstring.

Blazers' Roy misses second straight game (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss his second straight game because of a sore right hamstring. Roy hoped to play Monday afternoon against the Washington Wizards. But after consulting with coach Nate McMillan and a team trainer following warmups, Roy decided not to play. He also missed Friday's game against Orlando.

Jamison's 21 second-half points lift Wizards
Antawn Jamison scored 21 of his 28 points after halftime, Caron Butler made two big baskets down the stretch and the Washington Wizards put together a rare winning streak Monday with a 97-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Jamison, Butler lift Wizards by Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) (12) is pressured by Washington Wizards guard Mike Miller(notes) (6) and forward Brendan Haywood(notes), right, during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at the Verizon Center in Washington, Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.

Antawn Jamison scored 21 of his 28 points after halftime, Caron Butler made two big baskets down the stretch and the Washington Wizards put together a rare winning streak Monday with a 97-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Jamison was 3 for 10 from the field at halftime, but he shot 7 of 11 in the second half in a game that was close throughout.




Roy-less Blazers knock Magic out of 1st (AP)

Orlando Magic's Jameer Nelson(notes), left, guards against Portland Trail Blazers' Andre Miller(notes) (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday Jan 15, 2010.

Dwight Howard's off night kept the Trail Blazers from missing Brandon Roy -- and knocked Orlando out of first place. Roy was out with a sore right hamstring and Howard made just four of seven attempts from the field Friday night in Portland's 102-87 victory over the Magic. Martell Webster led the Blazers with 24 points and nine rebounds, and LaMarcus Aldridge added 14 points and 14...




Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy (hamstring) won't play vs. Magic
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will not play against the Orlando Magic because of a sore right hamstring.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy (hamstring strain) questionable vs. Orlando Magic
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy has a strained right hamstring and is questionable for Friday night's game against the Magic.

Roy hurting, but Blazers beat Bucks (AP)

Milwaukee Bucks' Luke Ridnour(notes) (13) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers'  Brandon Roy(notes) (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday Jan 13, 2010.

Brandon Roy scored 22 points before sitting much of the second half with a tight right hamstring and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 120-108 on Wednesday night. Roy, who has been working overtime for the injury-depleted Blazers, went to the locker room with a little more than six minutes left in the game for treatment.




LeBron's 41, O'Neal on inside boost Cavaliers
LeBron James had 41 points and 10 rebounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers held off a fourth-quarter Portland rally to beat the Trail Blazers 106-94 on Sunday night.

James scores 41 as Cavs hold off Blazers (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James(notes) smiles at a teammate from the bench during a break in the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.

LeBron James had 41 points and 10 rebounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers held off a fourth-quarter Portland rally to beat the Trail Blazers 106-94 on Sunday night. Shaquille O'Neal had 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who won their sixth straight against the Blazers. James, wearing one blue shoe and one orange shoe, was 8 for 8 from the floor for 20 points in the first quarter alone.




Roy puts 32 past reeling Lakers in Blazers' win
Brandon Roy scored 32 points and the Portland Trail Blazers won their ninth straight at home against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 107-98 victory on Friday night.

Roy leads Blazers past Lakers again (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant(notes), right, is blocked by Portland Trail Blazers' Dante Cunningham(notes) (33) in the second quarter of their NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, in Portland, Ore.

Brandon Roy scored 32 points and the Portland Trail Blazers won their ninth straight at home against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 107-98 victory on Friday night. The Blazers own the NBA's longest home winning streak against the defending champions. Kobe Bryant had 32 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who trailed by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter but cut the margin to single...




Grizzlies end on 13-1 run, top Blazers (AP)
O.J. Mayo scored 27 points and the Memphis Grizzlies rallied to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 109-105 on Tuesday night. The Grizzlies finished the game with a 13-1 run during the final four minutes to erase a 104-96 deficit. Memphis improved its record to 17-16, the first time it has been above .500 this season.

Clippers' front line smothers banged-up Blazers
Chris Kaman scored 20 points, Eric Gordon added 19 and the Los Angeles Clippers pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 105-95 on Monday night in the teams' second matchup in five days.

Clippers pull away late to beat Blazers (AP)

Los Angeles Clippers' Rasual Butler(notes) lays up a shot over Portland Trail Blazers' Dante Cunningham(notes) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, in Los Angeles.

Chris Kaman scored 20 points, Eric Gordon added 19 and the Los Angeles Clippers pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 105-95 on Monday night in the teams' second matchup in five days. Martell Webster scored a season-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers, Andre Miller had 22 points and 16 assists and Juwan Howard added 16 points for the Blazers, who won 103-99...




Roy scores 37, short-handed Blazers win (AP)

Golden State Warriors center Andris Biedrins(notes),  right, from Latvia, looks to pull in a loose ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jeff Pendergraph(notes) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010.

Brandon Roy scored 37 points, Andre Miller added 23 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Golden State Warriors 105-89 Saturday night despite dressing only eight players. Monta Ellis continued his strong play against Portland, leading the Warriors with 30 points. Corey Maggette added 22 points and 10 rebounds and Anthony Randolph had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors, who shot 68.4...




Portland Trail Blazers' Steve Blake hospitalized with pneumonia
Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake has been hospitalized with pneumonia.

Aldridge sprains ankle in Blazers' win (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy(notes), right, drives to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers forward Al Thornton(notes) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009.

Brandon Roy had 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-99 Wednesday night despite losing LaMarcus Aldridge to an ankle injury. Martell Webster added 15 points, Jerryd Bayless had 14 and rookie Jeff Pendergraph had eight points and 14 rebounds for the Blazers, who have won four in a row and seven of eight against the Clippers.




Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge leaves game with ankle sprain
Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge left Wednesday's game with an ankle sprain.

Blazers sign F Shavlik Randolph (AP)
The short-handed Portland Trail Blazers have signed forward Shavlik Randolph with a hardship exemption from the league. Randolph, who spent last season with Portland, brings the Blazers' roster to 16 players. The league has allowed the team two hardship exemptions in light of a rash of injuries. Randolph was waived by Miami earlier this year.

Brand's 25 spark Sixers past Blazers (AP)

Philadelphia 76ers coach Eddie Jordan directs from the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Monday, Dec. 28, 2009. The 76ers beat the Blazers 104-93.

Elton Brand said the Philadelphia 76ers' game plan was simple. Even coming from behind, they made it look easy. Brand scored a season-high 25 points and had nine rebounds in a reserve role as Philadelphia rallied to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-93. "We attacked. That's really all it was.




Source: Portland Trail Blazers plan to sign Shavlik Randolph to non-guaranteed deal
In an effort to shore up a depleted front line, the Portland Trail Blazers released Anthony Tolliver and expect to sign free agent Shavlik Randolph to a one year, non-guaranteed deal on Wednesday a team source told ESPN.com's Chad Ford.

Brand comes off bench to lift 76ers past Blazers
Elton Brand had a season-high 25 points and nine rebounds in a reserve role, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 104-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

Brand's 25 spark Sixers past Blazers (AP)

Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson(notes) sits on the bench with an ice pack on his left knee during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Monday, Dec. 28, 2009.

Elton Brand had a season-high 25 points and nine rebounds in a reserve role, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 104-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Brand, a 6-foot-9 former All Star, made 9 of 20 shots in 30 minutes to help Philadelphia (8-22) rally from a 10-point second half deficit.




Blazers drop Nuggets behind Roy
Brandon Roy had 41 points while wearing a thin brace to protect his sore left shoulder and Steve Blake scored 17 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 107-96 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Roy has 41 despite brace as Blazers win (AP)

Denver Nuggets center Nene, right, applies defensive pressure on Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday, Dec. 25, 2009.

Brandon Roy had 41 points while wearing a thin brace to protect his sore left shoulder and Steve Blake scored 17 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 107-96 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Roy, who missed Wednesday's win at San Antonio, had 25 points in the first half and made a career-high 16 field goals for Portland, which has won four straight and six of seven despite a...




Roy, Billups may miss Christmas matchup (AP)
A marquee Christmas matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets may lose some luster if Portland's Brandon Roy and Denver's Chauncey Billups are both out. It's unclear if either guard will be available Friday night when the Northwest Division rivals meet for the second time this season.

Bayless gets hobbled Blazers past Spurs (AP)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, left, visits with Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan prior to an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009.

Jerryd Bayless scored a career-high 31 points in his first start for injured All-Star Brandon Roy, leading the hobbled Portland Trail Blazers to a 98-94 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Portland played without Roy and center Joel Przybilla, who ruptured a tendon in his right leg in a win against Dallas on Tuesday to become the latest Blazers player to go down.




Portland Trail Blazers list Brandon Roy as doubtful against the San Antonio Spurs
Brandon Roy has a sore left shoulder that is the latest in a stunning rash of injuries for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Dirk back but Trail Blazers' rally clips Mavericks
Brancon Roy scored 23 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers rallied in the fourth quarter for an 85-81 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Dirk returns but Blazers rally past Mavs (AP)

Fans and staff react during continued play as Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd(notes) (2) rolls on the court following a collision with Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy(notes) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, in Dallas. Kidd left the game, with only seconds left on the clock, and did not return in the 85-81 Mavericks loss.

Brandon Roy scored 23 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers rallied in the fourth quarter for an 85-81 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Dirk Nowitzki had 27 points and nine rebounds in his return to the Dallas lineup, and J.J. Barea added 22 points for the Mavericks, who had won six of seven.




Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla ruptures his right patella tendon
Joel Przybilla of the Portland Trail Blazers sustained a ruptured right patella tendon and dislocated patella in the first quarter of Tuesday night's game.

Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki is active tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers
Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki will be in the lineup Tuesday night against the Trail Blazers

Roy shines late as Blazers rally by Heat (AP)

Miami Heat's Michael Beasley(notes), right, goes to the basket as Portland Trail Blazers' Anthony Tolliver(notes) defends in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Miami, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009.

Brandon Roy scored 11 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 and the Portland Trail Blazers used a big run in the final minutes to beat the Miami Heat 102-95 on Sunday night. Andre Miller scored 17 points and Martell Webster added 15 for Portland, which trailed by six with 5 1/2 minutes remaining.




Howard helps Magic rally by Blazers (AP)
Dwight Howard had 12 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks to help the Orlando Magic rally past the Portland Trail Blazers 92-83 on Saturday night. Rashard Lewis added 15 points for the Magic, Jason Williams had 13 and J.J. Redick chipped in 12 as Orlando overcame a sluggish first half to beat Portland for the sixth time in the last seven meetings.

Howard double-double lifts Magic over Blazers
Dwight Howard had 12 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks to help the Orlando Magic rally past the Portland Trail Blazers 92-83 on Saturday night.

Iverson misses second straight game (AP)
Allen Iverson missed his second straight game for the Philadelphia 76ers because of arthritis in his left knee. Sixers coach Eddie Jordan made the announcement before Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, saying Iverson will not return until Philadelphia's game against Portland on Dec.

Bucks G Jennings fined $7,500 for tweet (AP)
Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings has been fined $7,500 for posting a message on his Twitter account after Milwaukee's 108-101 double overtime win over Portland last weekend. Jennings was fined for the timing of his post, not the content when he tweeted: "Back to 500. Yess!!! "500" means where doing good.

Bayless leads Blazers' rally past Suns (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes), right, moves to the hoop against Phoenix Suns forward Channing Frye(notes) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009.

Jerryd Bayless had a career-high 29 points and made three free throws in the final 9 seconds, and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 15-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 105-102 on Thursday night. Brandon Roy added 27 points and eight rebounds for the injury plagued Blazers, who have won two in a row after dropping six of eight games.




Bucks rookie Jennings fined $7,500 for Tweet
Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings has been fined $7,500 for posting a message on his Twitter account after Milwaukee's 108-101 double overtime win over Portland last weekend.

Bayless sparks Blazers to second straight win
Jerryd Bayless had a career-high 29 points and made three free throws in the final 9 seconds, and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 15-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 105-102 on Thursday night.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings fined $7.5K for Twitter post
Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings has been fined $7,500 for posting a message on his Twitter account after Milwaukee's 108-101 double overtime win over Portland last weekend.

Ridnour carries Bucks by Blazers in 2OT (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla(notes) (10) dunks the ball in front of the Milwaukee Bucks' Andrew Bogut(notes), left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, in Milwaukee.

Luke Ridnour scored six of his 20 points in the second overtime, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a hard-fought 108-101 victory over the injury-riddled Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Andrew Bogut made two free throws, but LaMarcus Aldridge, who scored a season-high 31 for Portland, matched him with two of his own to tie it at 97.




Shaquille O'Neal (eye bruise) questionable against Oklahoma City Thunder
Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal plans to travel with the team to Oklahoma City after leaving Friday night's game against Portland with a bruised left eye.

LeBron rescues Cavaliers from two-game slump
LeBron James scored 33 points, Anderson Varejao had a season-high 22 and the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from consecutive sloppy road losses with a 104-99 win over the hobbled Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

James' 33 lift Cavs past hobbled Blazers (AP)
LeBron James scored 33 points, Anderson Varejao had a season-high 22 and the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from consecutive sloppy road losses with a 104-99 win over the hobbled Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. James added seven assists, seven rebounds and a soaring block on a shot by Brandon Roy in the closing seconds for the Cavs, who were back home after losing in Memphis and Houston.

Blazers snap road slide behind Roy's 29 points
Brandon Roy scored 29 points, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 102-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

Roy's 29 lift Blazers past Pacers (AP)

Indiana Pacers guard Dahntay Jones(notes), right, drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy(notes) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. Portland won 102-91.

Brandon Roy scored 29 points, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 102-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and eight rebounds, and Andre Miller scored 15 for the Trail Blazers (14-9), who snapped a four-game road losing streak. Dahntay Jones led the Pacers with 19 points and rookie Tyler Hansbrough added 13 points and 11 rebounds.




Fantasy Fast Break: Oh no with Oden
What happens in Portland now that Greg Oden is out for the season? How will the 76ers use Allen Iverson? What is up with Marc Gasol? Our Sergio Gonzalez analyzes these questions and more in the latest Fantasy Fast Break.

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Fernandez has procedure on back, out 4-6 weeks
Portland Trail Blazers forward Rudy Fernandez underwent a procedure to alleviate nerve pressure in his back that was causing leg pain, and he is expected to miss up to six weeks. It is the latest injury to befall the Blazers, who are down to just nine available players. The team said Fernandez had a microdiscectomy on Tuesday to relieve pressure on a nerve in his back. The pressure on his nerve was causing him pain in his right leg.

Portland Trail Blazers' Rudy Fernandez to undergo back procedure
Portland Trail Blazers forward Rudy Fernandez is undergoing a procedure to alleviate nerve pressure that is causing leg pain.

Knicks drop Blazers to claim 3rd straight victory
Larry Hughes scored 21 points, David Lee had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat the injury-depleted Portland Trail Blazers 93-84 on Monday night for their season-high third straight victory.

Knicks beat injury-depleted Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy(notes) (7) defends against New York Knicks forward Larry Hughes(notes) (0) in the first half of their NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden  in New York, Monday, Dec. 7, 2009.

Larry Hughes scored 21 points, David Lee had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat the injury-depleted Portland Trail Blazers 93-84 on Monday night for their season-high third straight victory. Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler each added 14 points as the Knicks won for the fourth time in five games, continuing to play better basketball after coach Mike D'Antoni shortened...




Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden's season is officially over after surgery
Greg Oden underwent surgery on his left patella Sunday, and the Blazers confirmed what they feared all along -- that Oden was done for the season.

Roy's layup gets Blazers past Rockets (AP)

Houston Rockets' Trevor Ariza(notes), left, and Carl Landry(notes) (14) defend a shot by Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy(notes) (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009. Roy had 28 points in the Trail Blazers 90-89 win.

The somber Portland Trail Blazers found it difficult to celebrate a victory after losing Greg Oden. Brandon Roy had 28 points and scored the winning basket to help Portland beat Houston 90-89 on Saturday night, but the Blazers were both solemn and resolute with the probable season-ending injury to Oden in the first quarter.




Blazers' Oden expected to miss rest of season
Portland center Greg Oden will likely miss the season after fracturing his left knee cap during a game against Houston on Saturday night. Oden will undergo surgery, the Trail Blazers said. The 7-foot center dropped to the floor clutching his left knee and grimacing after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks midway through the first quarter. He was almost immediately surrounded by trainers and physicians.

Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden carted off floor with apparent knee injury
Portland center Greg Oden was taken off the court on a stretcher after an apparent knee injury in the first quarter of the Trail Blazers' game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Oden taken off on stretcher due to knee (AP)
Portland center Greg Oden was taken off the court on a stretcher after an apparent knee injury in the first quarter of the Trail Blazers' game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Oden dropped to the floor clutching his left knee after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks with 5:45 remaining in the first quarter.

Hornets' Paul back, Wolves' Love debuts (AP)
Two-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul returned to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night after missing eight games, and Kevin Love played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time this season. Paul, the runner-up to the Lakers' Kobe Bryant for NBA MVP in 2007-08, has been out since spraining his left ankle against Portland on Nov.

McMillan needs surgery after rupturing Achilles
Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan ruptured his right Achilles tendon during practice Friday and will need surgery. McMillan will coach Saturday night's game against Houston, but he will miss next week's four-game road trip. The Blazers say McMillan will have surgery on Monday. Assistant coach Dean Demopoulos will take McMillan's place starting Monday in New York.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan ruptures Achilles in practice
Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan ruptured his right Achilles tendon during practice Friday and will need surgery.

Beasley's 27 help Heat hold off Blazers (AP)

Miami Heat's Michael Beasley(notes) (30) is fouled as he drives to the basket as Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden(notes) and Brandon Roy(notes) defend during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, in Portland, Ore.

Michael Beasley scored a season-high 27 points, Dwyane Wade had 18 points and 12 assists and the Miami Heat led from the start in beating the Portland Trail Blazers 107-100 Tuesday night. Beasley was 8 of 15 from the field and 11 of 12 for free throws as the Heat (10-7) ended a two-game losing streak.




Jazz open up big early lead, bury Blazers
Carlos Boozer had 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to a 108-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.

Boozer, Williams lead Jazz past Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla(notes) (10) is fouled by Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap(notes), left, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, in Salt Lake City.

Carlos Boozer had 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to a 108-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Deron Williams added 24 points and 15 assists for the Jazz, who won for the fifth time in six games. Brandon Roy scored 19 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 14 for Portland, which lost for the second time in two nights.




Grizzlies hold off Blazers, win again (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Andre Miller(notes), right, tries for a steal from behind on Memphis Grizzlies guard Rudy Gay(notes) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday, Nov. 27, 2009.

Zach Randolph scored 21 points and Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo added 19 each and Memphis withstood a second-half rally by Portland to beat the Trail Blazers 106-96 Friday night. Memphis led by 29 points during the first half on the way to winning for the fifth time in seven games. Portland cut the Grizzlies' lead to eight points during the fourth quarter.




Improving Oden, Trail Blazers drop Nets to 0-15
The New Jersey Nets moved a loss closer to the record for the NBA's worst start to a season on Wednesday night when they dropped their 15th straight game, 93-83 to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Nets fall to 0-15 with loss to Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden(notes), left, looks to the basket against New Jersey Nets center Brook Lopez(notes) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. Oden scored 18 points and pulled in eight rebounds as the Trail Blazers beat the Nets 93-83.

The New Jersey Nets moved a loss closer to the record for the NBA's worst start to a season on Wednesday night when they dropped their 15th straight game, 93-83 to the Portland Trail Blazers. Greg Oden continued a recent run of strong play with 18 points and eight rebounds for the Blazers, who have won 10 of their last 12.




Oden has 24 and 12 as Blazers rout Bulls (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes), right, looks to pass against the double-team defense of Chicago Bulls' Taj Gibson(notes), left, and Luol Deng(notes) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Monday, Nov. 23, 2009.

Greg Oden tied a career high with 24 points and LaMarcus Aldridge also had 24 to help the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Chicago Bulls 122-98 onMonday night. Oden, the first pick of the 2007 NBA draft, missed one of his eight shots from the field and added 12 rebounds. Aldridge pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.




Blazers hand Wolves 12th straight loss (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes), right, backs in on Minnesota Timberwolves forward Oleksiy Pecherov(notes), from Ukraine, during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009.

Martell Webster had 21 points and 13 rebounds, Brandon Roy added 18 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat Minnesota 106-78 on Saturday night, handing the Timberwolves their 12th straight loss. Greg Oden had 16 points, and Steve Blake had 14 points and nine assists for the Blazers, winners of 11 straight against Minnesota.




Roy helps Blazers hold off Pistons (AP)

Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon(notes) (7) looks for an outlet pass against Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden(notes), right, and forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009.

PORTLAND, Ore. AP) -- Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge each had 20 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers held off the tired but tenacious Detroit Pistons 87-81 on Wednesday night. The Blazers led by as many as 20 points in the second half, but the Pistons chipped away and closed to 76-70 on Charlie Villanueva's jumper with 3 minutes left.




Johnson has 30, Hawks win sixth straight (AP)

Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley(notes) (30) takes a shot against Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson(notes) (2) during the first quarter, of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 in Atlanta.

Joe Johnson made it two straight 30-point games, Josh Smith dominated during a decisive first-half run and the Atlanta Hawks won their sixth in the row, beating the Miami Heat 105-90 on Wednesday night to reclaim a share of the NBA's best record. Johnson scored 30 points on the heels of a 35-point effort against Portland on Monday.




Ankle sidelines Spurs G Parker again (AP)
San Antonio guard Tony Parker sat out the Spurs' game against Dallas on Wednesday night after reaggravating his sprained left ankle. Parker rolled the ankle in a game at Portland on Nov. 6 and sat out the next two games. Parker was back in the lineup Saturday night in a 101-98 loss to Oklahoma City, scoring 17 points in 32 minutes.

Portland Trail Blazers' Travis Outlaw set for surgery on left foot
Trail Blazers forward Travis Outlaw will have surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot.

Hornets star Paul has ankle sprain; return unclear
Further tests on Chris Paul's ankle show nothing beyond a sprain, but there is no timetable for the star point guard's return to the New Orleans Hornets. The team says an MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis. Paul twisted his left ankle in the Hornets' loss Friday night to Portland. Team spokesman Dennis Rogers said Monday that Paul will be evaluated daily but remains out indefinitely. In 10 games this season, Paul has averaged 23.8 points and 9.2 assists.

Johnson leads Hawks past Blazers in OT (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) (12) draws a foul from Atlanta Hawks forward Joe Smith(notes) (32) during a shot in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 in Atlanta.

Joe Johnson scored eight of his 35 points in overtime and the Atlanta Hawks solved Portland's defense in time to beat the Trail Blazers 99-95 on Monday night. The Hawks, who won at Portland on Nov. 3, swept the season series for the first time since the 1996-97 season. Josh Smith had 20 points and 16 rebounds for Atlanta, which extended its winning streak to five with the victory in the matchup...




Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen has lymphoma
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Roy lifts Blazers to sixth straight win (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have won six straight overall and are 5-1 on the road, so coach Nate McMillan had plenty to be happy about even in a game that wasn't pretty. "We made plays," McMillan said after an 80-74 victory over Charlotte. "We got stops when we needed to. We're scoring when we need to.

Blazers bookend half with big run to top Bobcats
Brandon Roy scored 25 points, Andre Miller added 15, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Charlotte Bobcats 80-74 on Saturday night for their sixth straight victory.

Roy lifts Blazers to sixth straight win (AP)

Charlotte Bobcats' Tyson Chandler(notes) (6) puts up a shot as Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden(notes) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 in Charlotte, N.C.

Brandon Roy scored 25 points, Andre Miller added 15, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Charlotte Bobcats 80-74 on Saturday night for their sixth straight victory. The Blazers (8-3) used a huge run that overlapped the second and third quarters to send the Bobcats (3-6) to their fourth straight loss in a game that featured an altercation with 55 seconds remaining.




Blazers' Outlaw has stress fracture in foot
Portland forward Travis Outlaw sustained a stress fracture in his left foot during the first quarter of the Trail Blazers' game against Charlotte on Saturday night. Outlaw entered the game third on the team in scoring, averaging 10.9 points. Team officials said he was out indefinitely and would return to Portland for further evaluation.

Blazers F Outlaw sidelined indefinitely (AP)
Portland forward Travis Outlaw sustained a stress fracture in his left foot during the first quarter of the Trail Blazers' game against Charlotte on Saturday night. Outlaw entered the game third on the team in scoring, averaging 10.9 points. Team officials said he was out indefinitely and would return to Portland for further evaluation.

Hornets fall to Blazers in 1st game without Scott
LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 13 rebounds, helping Portland to an 86-78 victory over a New Orleans team on Friday night that lost Chris Paul to a sprained ankle while trying to adjust to new head coach Jeff Bower.

Paul injured, Hornets lose Bower's debut (AP)

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul(notes) (3) drives to the basket in the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers in an NBA basketball game in New Orleans,  Friday, Nov. 13, 2009.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 13 rebounds, helping Portland to an 86-78 victory over a New Orleans team on Friday night that lost Chris Paul to a sprained ankle while trying to adjust to new head coach Jeff Bower. The Hornets trailed for most of their first game since the firing of Byron Scott on Thursday.




New Orleans Hornets PG Chris Paul leaves game with ankle injury
Chris Paul had to be helped off the court by teammates after apparently injuring his left ankle late in the third quarter of the Hornets' home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Hornets PG Paul leaves with injury
Chris Paul had to be helped off the court by teammates after apparently injuring his left ankle late in the third quarter of the Hornets' home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Moments after setting up Hilton Armstrong's dunk, Paul appeared to land on Joel Przybilla's foot, before falling hard to the court and writhing in pain. It was the same ankle New Orleans' star point guard twisted earlier in the week during a victory in Los Angeles over the Clippers.

Parker, Duncan appear closer to return (AP)
Tim Duncan and Tony Parker appear closer to returning to the San Antonio Spurs after missing two games with ankle injuries. Parker and Duncan practiced Friday and were listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Oklahoma City. Neither has played since hurting their left ankles in a loss last week at Portland.

Oden's 18 and 11 help Blazers rip Wolves (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge(notes), left, beats Minnesota Timberwolves' Ryan Hollins(notes) to the rebound in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, in Minneapolis.

Greg Oden sure looked like a franchise center Wednesday night. Oden had 18 points and 11 rebounds in three quarters to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 107-84 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rudy Fernandez added 15 points for the Blazers, who have won four in a row and are off to their best start since 1999 at 6-3.




Roy, Aldridge help Blazers top Grizzlies (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy(notes) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol(notes) in the third quarter of  NBA  basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, in Memphis, Tenn.

Brandon Roy scored 20 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points and 12 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers won their third straight with a 93-79 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. Casey Blake and Greg Oden had 14 points each for Portland, all of Oden?s coming in the second half.




Memphis Grizzlies' Hasheem Thabeet breaks jaw vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Memphis Grizzlies rookie center Hasheem Thabeet, the second overall pick in the June draft, left Tuesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a broken jaw.

Duncan joins Parker with injured ankles (AP)
Tim Duncan has a swollen left ankle that will keep him on the bench with Tony Parker. The Spurs announced before Monday's game against Toronto that MRI tests on Duncan revealed no structural damage. Duncan played a season-high 35 minutes and 14 points in a loss at Portland on Friday. Parker was already out with a left ankle injury of his own.

Miller scores 21 as Blazers rout Wolves (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jerryd Bayless(notes), left, looks to pass against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Damien Wilkins(notes) during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009.  Portland beat Minnesota 116-93.

Portland coach Nate McMillan's experiment with a three-guard starting lineup has sparked the Trail Blazers. Portland won its second consecutive game since McMillan employed a starting lineup that includes guards Brandon Roy, Andre Miller and Steve Blake. It was Miller leading the way Sunday, as he scored 21 points to lead Portland to a 116-93 win over Minnesota.




Blazers ride hot start; Wolves drop 6th straight
Andre Miller scored 21 points, and LaMarcus Aldridge and Travis Outlaw each had 19 as Portland built a big first-half lead and beat Minnesota 116-93 Sunday night.

Roy helps new-look Blazers beat Spurs (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes), left, tries to drive against San Antonio Spurs center Matt Bonner(notes) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday, Nov. 6, 2009.

Brandon Roy had 24 points and five rebounds, Steve Blake added 15 points and the Portland Trail Blazers got a lift from their new-look lineup in a 96-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. Richard Jefferson had 19 points, Manu Ginobili had 17, and Tim Duncan added 14 points and eight rebounds, but San Antonio lost Tony Parker to a sprained ankle and couldn't overcome a lethargic...




Roy, Trail Blazers keep Spurs winless on road
Brandon Roy had 24 points and five rebounds, Steve Blake added 15 points and the Portland Trail Blazers got a lift from their new-look lineup in a 96-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

Kings sign swingman Udoka (AP)
The Sacramento Kings have signed swingman Ime Udoka to a contract. The team did not release terms of the deal announced Wednesday. Udoka spent the preseason with Portland before being waived last month. Udoka is averaging 6.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in his five-year career. He has played 227 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, New York, Portland and San Antonio.

Crawford's 27 off bench lift Hawks past Blazers
Jamal Crawford scored 27 points off the bench and the Atlanta Hawks outlasted the Portland Trail Blazers 97-91 on Tuesday night.

Reserve Crawford scores 27, Hawks win (AP)

Atlanta Hawks Jamal Crawford(notes), left, shoots over Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009.  Crawford led the Hawks with 27 points to beat the Blazers 97-91.

Jamal Crawford scored 27 points off the bench and the Atlanta Hawks outlasted the Portland Trail Blazers 97-91 on Tuesday night. Al Horford's dunk with 56.6 seconds left made it 95-89 and all but sealed it for the Hawks. Horford finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge, who was questionable going into the game with a knee injury, led the Blazers with 20 points and 14 rebounds.




Blazers salvage split of 2-game trip (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake(notes), right, shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kevin Ollie(notes), left, in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009.

Steve Blake scored 18 points and Brandon Roy made a late push to finish with 16, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 83-74 on Sunday night to split a two-game road trip. One night after scoring 42 points in a loss at Houston, Roy struggled to get anything going on offense -- and so did Kevin Durant, a fellow Rookie of the Year.




LaMarcus Aldridge leaves Portland Trail Blazers game with knee bruise
Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge left Sunday's game with a bruised knee.

Aldridge leaves game with bruised knee (AP)
Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge limped off the floor in the first quarter of the Portland Trail Blazers' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of a bruised right knee. A team spokesman said Sunday Aldridge's return is questionable. Aldridge came out of the game late in the first quarter and did not play in the second period after having his knee taped on the Blazers bench.

Ariza-Brooks duo tops Roy's 42 to spur Rockets
Trevor Ariza scored a career-high 33 points, Aaron Brooks added 28 points and the Houston Rockets held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers at home for the fifth straight time in the regular season, 111-107 on Saturday night.

Rockets overcome Roy's 42, beat Blazers (AP)

Houston Rockets' Trevor Ariza(notes), right, shoots over Portland Trailblazers' Brandon Roy(notes) in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, in Houston.

Trevor Ariza scored a career-high 33 points, Aaron Brooks added 28 points and the Houston Rockets held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers at home for the fifth straight time in the regular season, 111-107 on Saturday night. Houston had to overcome a 42-point performance by Brandon Roy and a determined Trail Blazers offense that kept the game close to the end.




Anthony scores 41, Nuggets edge Blazers (AP)

Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups(notes), right, goes to the hoop against Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla(notes) during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.

Carmelo Anthony scored 19 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter and the Denver Nuggets were helped by Portland's trouble at the free-throw line for a 97-94 victory on Thursday night. Greg Oden missed a pair of free throws with 4.6 seconds left, squandering a chance for Portland to go ahead. After Oden's misses, Anthony made a pair and Brandon Roy missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the...




Outlaw's 23 spark Blazers over Rockets (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy(notes), right, drives to the hoop as teammate Travis Outlaw(notes), left, sets a screen on Houston Rockets guard Trevor Ariza(notes) during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009.

Reserve Travis Outlaw scored 23 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 96-87 in the season opener Tuesday night. Brandon Roy added 20 points and five assists for the Blazers. Portland hit 20 of 22 free throws and outrebounded Houston 51-33. Aaron Brooks had 19 points for the Rockets, who defeated Portland in six games this past spring in the first round of the playoffs.




Phoenix Suns gets rights to ex-Portland Trail Blazers center Jarron Collins
The Suns were awarded the rights to former Blazers center Jarron Collins.

Suns awarded rights to C Jarron Collins (AP)
The Phoenix Suns on Monday were awarded the rights to center Jarron Collins, who was waived last week by the Portland Trail Blazers. The 6-foot-11 Collins is an eight-year NBA veteran who played for the Utah Jazz. He has career averages of 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 480 games. The 30-year-old Collins is the younger twin brother of Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collins.

Portland Trail Blazers' Batum to have shoulder surgery
Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum will undergo surgery on his right shoulder to repair torn cartilage.

Blazers F Batum to have shoulder surgery (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum will undergo surgery on his right shoulder to repair torn cartilage. The team said Monday a return date will be determined after Friday's surgery in Los Angeles. Batum appeared in 79 games as a rookie last season, starting 76. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.8 rebounds while earning praise for his defensive ability.

The Portland Blazers sign F LaMarcus Aldridge to contract extension
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension.

Blazers sign Aldridge to 5-year extension
The Portland Trail Blazers signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension on Thursday. The terms of the deal have not been announced. The team was in Vancouver, British Columbia, for an exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns. The Blazers scheduled a news conference in Portland on Friday. Aldridge, the second overall pick in the 2006 draft out of Texas, was acquired by the Blazers in a draft-day trade from the Chicago Bulls. Last season, he averaged 18.1 points and 7.

Trail Blazers waive big men Ime Udoka, Jarron Collins
The Portland Trail Blazers have waived forward Ime Udoka and center Jarron Collins.

Trail Blazers center Greg Oden reinvents self ahead of season
After an inconsistent debut season, the 7-foot-center for the Portland Trail Blazers slimmed down, worked on his defense, focused on his footwork and even added a turnaround jumper to his repertoire.

Oden reinvents himself for new season (AP)

In this photo taken on Monday, Sept. 18, 2009, Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden(notes) is shown during Blazers media day in Portland, Ore. After an inconsistent debut season, Oden reinvented himself during the summer by shedding 15 pounds, adding a couple of new moves and changing his attitude.

Greg Oden reinvented himself this summer. After an inconsistent debut season, the 7-foot-center for the Portland Trail Blazers slimmed down, worked on his defense, focused on his footwork and even added a turnaround jumper to his repertoire. He also changed his attitude. "It wasn't really an 'Aha!' " he said.




Blazers waive F Udoka, C Jarron Collins (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have waived forward Ime Udoka and center Jarron Collins. The moves Thursday bring the Blazers' roster to 15. Udoka has played five seasons in the NBA, including a previous stint in Portland. He averaged 6.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 18.8 minutes in five preseason games. Collins, an eight-year veteran, played in four preseason games with an average of 3.5 points, two...

Blazers missing injured Aldridge, Oden (AP)

Utah Jazz's Carlos Boozer(notes) (5) dunks in the first quarter of their NBA preseason basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, in Portland, Ore. The Jazz defeated the Trail Blazers 108-97.

After a dominating preseason win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Carlos Boozer feels like the Utah Jazz are ready for the regular season. "We've got to tighten up some stuff," he said. "We've got to take care of that full-court press a little better at the end of the game, I'm sure we'll get over it tomorrow.




Blazers, Aldridge close to contract extension
The Portland Trail Blazers are close to signing forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a contract extension, a person close to the situation told The Associated Press. The five-year deal is expected to be completed within the next two days, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract wasn't final. The Blazers need to strike a deal with Aldridge to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent next summer.

Blazers, Aldridge near 5-year extension (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers are close to signing forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a contract extension, a person close to the situation told The Associated Press. The five-year deal is expected to be completed within the next two days, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract wasn't final.

Chad Ford: Portland Trail Blazers F LaMarcus Aldridge agrees to 5-year, $65 million contract extension, source says
The Portland Trailblazers have verbally agreed in principle to a contract extension with forward LaMarcus Aldridge, a source close to the process told ESPN.com.

Oden's 16 help Blazers rally by Nuggets (AP)

Denver Nuggets' Ty Lawson(notes) drives to the basket as Portland Trail Blazers' Juwan Howard(notes) (6) defends in the second quarter during their NBA preseason basketball game  Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Portland, Ore.

Greg Oden had 16 points and seven rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers erased a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 98-96 in a preseason game Sunday night. Roy, who played just under 12 minutes in the first three quarters, combined with Oden for the comeback and finished with 12 points.




Blazers sign Mills, exercise Oden option (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed second-round draft pick Patrick Mills and exercised options on center Greg Oden, forwards Nicolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez and guard Jerryd Bayless. Terms of the deal with Mills, a guard from Australia who played at Saint Mary's, were not released. He was the 55th overall pick in last June's draft.

Suns spoil Blazers' return to old arena (AP)

Phoenix Suns Amare Stoudemire, left, defends as Portland Trail Blazers Andre Miller(notes) (24) looks to the basket in the second half of their NBA preseason basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, in Portland, Ore. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 110-104.

Steve Nash had 23 points and 15 assists and the Phoenix Suns returned to the Portland's old Memorial Coliseum much same way they left it -- with a victory over the Trail Blazers. The Suns spoiled Portland's retro return to the birthplace of "Rip City" with a 110-104 win on Wednesday night.




Rookie Maynor helps Jazz beat Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward Dante Cunningham(notes) (33) goes to the basket as Utah Jazz's Kyrylo Fesenko(notes) of the Ukraine (44) defends during the second half of their NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 99-96.

With a slight frame and a jump shot that still needs some work, Utah Jazz rookie guard Eric Maynor isn't likely to strike fear into his NBA opponents just yet. But the first-round draft pick from Virginia Commonwealth is making progress. He had 14 points and five assists to help the Jazz beat the Portland Trail Blazers 99-96 in a preseason game Thursday night.




Oden has another strong game for Blazers (AP)

Sacramento Kings rookie guard Tyreke Evans(notes), left, drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers guard Andre Miller(notes), duing the second quarter of an NBA preseason basketball game in Sacramento., Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009.

Greg Oden had 20 points and 12 rebounds in his second consecutive strong performance, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to an 89-86 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night in a preseason game. Juwan Howard scored 14 points for the Blazers (2-0), Brandon Roy had 13, Jerryd Bayless 11 and Andre Miller added 10.




Portland Trail Blazers sign Juwan Howard
Veteran forward Juwan Howard has signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Howard has spent 15 seasons in the NBA and general manager Kevin Pritchard said Thursday the 36-year-old will add "veteran savvy" to the young roster. Howard averaged 4.1 points in 42 games with Denver and Charlotte last season. A member of Michigan's Fab Five, Howard was the fifth player selected in the 1994 draft. He has career averages of 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 1,043 games.

Portland Trail Blazers add 'veteran savvy' by signing Juwan Howard
Veteran forward Juwan Howard has signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Blazers sign 15-year pro Juwan Howard (AP)
Veteran forward Juwan Howard has signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Howard has spent 15 seasons in the NBA and general manager Kevin Pritchard said Thursday the 36-year-old will add "veteran savvy" to the young roster. Howard averaged 4.1 points in 42 games with Denver and Charlotte last season.

Portland Trail Blazers sign Jeff Pendergraph day before surgery
The Trail Blazers signed rookie Jeff Pendergraph a day before the forward is set to have hip surgery.

Blazers rookie Pendergraph needs hip surgery - Jeff Pendergraph (F) Portland Trail Blazers
Trailblazers rookie Jeff Pendergraph will have left hip surgery on Wednesday and is expected to miss a considerable portion of the season.

Blazers sign 2nd-round pick Cunningham (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed draft pick Dante Cunningham to a multiyear contract. The 6-foot-8 power forward was the 33rd overall pick in the June draft out of Villanova. He averaged 16.1 points and 7.5 rebounds last season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Blazers sign rookie Cunningham - Dante Cunningham (F) Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers signed rookie forward Dante Cunningham to a multiyear deal on Friday.

Which teams will be future NBA contenders?
With Brandon Roy's new extension, Portland looks to be strong for years to come. Randy Hill picks out the NBA's future contenders.

Portland Trail Blazers announce Brandon Roy multiyear extension
Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard called Brandon Roy a pillar of the franchise at a press conference Friday during which he discussed Roy's multiyear contract extension.

Agent: Roy, Blazers agree on 5-year extension
Now that two-time All-Star Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a five-year contract extension, his agent says it is possible Roy will stay in his native Northwest for his entire career.

Reports: Blazers, Roy agree on 5-year extension
Portland Trail Blazers star guard Brandon Roy has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth approximately $80 million, according to multiple reports.

Report: Roy, Blazers agree on extension (AP)
Brandon Roy has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers planned a news conference with Roy on Thursday to announce the deal, according to a report by Yahoo! Sports that cited unidentified league sources. The extension is expected to be worth between $78 million and $82 million, the report said.

Report: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers agree to 5-year extension
Guard Brandon Roy, the face of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise, has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth between $78 million and $82 million, a league source told Yahoo! Sports.

Report: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers close to long-term contract
Brandon Roy and the Blazers are reportedly nearing agreement on a long-term extension.

Clippers waive G Taylor (AP)
The Los Angeles Clippers have waived guard Mike Taylor. Taylor played in 51 games for the Clippers last season, making five starts and averaging 5.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 15.1 minutes. The first-year player was drafted by Portland on June 26, 2008, and then traded to the Clippers for a 2009 second-round draft pick.

Hornets sign free-agent F Diogu (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have signed forward Ike Diogu to a free agent contract, hoping he can provide solid backup minutes behind All-Star David West. Diogu, who is 6-foot-9, played in 29 games last season for Portland and Sacramento. He averaged 4.1 points and 1.9 rebounds. Diogu was drafted ninth overall out of Arizona State by the Golden State Warriors in 2005.

Spurs sign center Theo Ratliff
The San Antonio Spurs have signed center Theo Ratliff. Terms of the deal announced Saturday were not disclosed. The 6-foot-10 Ratliff spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 1.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.02 blocks in 12.6 minutes while appearing in 46 games. Ratliff has also played for Detroit, Atlanta, Portland, Boston and Minnesota during 14 NBA seasons.

Spurs sign veteran C Ratliff (AP)
The San Antonio Spurs have signed center Theo Ratliff. Terms of the deal announced Saturday were not disclosed. The 6-foot-10 Ratliff spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 1.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.02 blocks in 12.6 minutes while appearing in 46 games. Ratliff has also played for Detroit, Atlanta, Portland, Boston and Minnesota during 14 NBA seasons.

Blazers use cap space to sign free agent PG Miller
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent guard Andre Miller. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Miller averaged 16.3 points and 6.5 assists as a starter for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. Miller joins point guards Steve Blake and Jerryd Bayless for the Blazers. Blake started last season, averaging 11 points, five assists and 2.5 rebounds. Miller, 33, went to the Sixers in 2006 in a midseason trade with the Denver Nuggets that involved Allen Iverson.

Blazers sign free agent G Andre Miller (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers signed veteran free agent guard Andre Miller to a multiyear contract on Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Miller, whose career has spanned 10 seasons with four teams, averaged 16.3 points and 6.5 assists as a starter for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. "I hope to provide veteran leadership to a young talented nucleus and help Portland take the next...

Source: Portland Trail Blazers offer PG Andre Miller 3-year, $21 million contract
The Trail Blazers have offered Andre Miller a two-year contract with a team option for a third year, a source close to the process said Friday.

US invites Wizards' McGee to minicamp (AP)
USA Basketball has added Washington Wizards forward/center JaVale McGee to its minicamp roster. The Americans also announced Wednesday that Portland guard Jerryd Bayless withdrew because he injured his left wrist during the NBA's summer league. McGee earned an invite after averaging 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and a league-best 4.0 blocks during four summer league games.

4 US hoops players pull out of minicamp (AP)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon and Golden State forward Anthony Randolph are heading to USA Basketball's minicamp, while four players are pulling out. Portland's Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, plus Houston's Trevor Ariza and Boston's Glen Davis will not be in Las Vegas. New York forward David Lee and Indiana's Danny Granger will attend minicamp but won't...

NBA free agents: Utah Jazz match Portland's offer for Paul Millsap
The Utah Jazz on Friday matched the Portland Trail Blazers' $32 million offer for the restricted free agent, keeping Millsap in Utah with a new four-year deal.

Utah Jazz plan to match the Portland Trail Blazers' offer to Paul Millsap
The Jazz posted on their Web site Thursday evening that they plan to match Portland's offer to Millsap, a restricted free agent. A formal announcement was scheduled for Friday.

Rockets' Turner interviews with Wolves (AP)
Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner has interviewed to become the next coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The interview took place Monday in Las Vegas and lasted a couple of hours, Turner told KRIV-TV in Houston. Turner has worked as an assistant in Sacramento and Portland and was a candidate for the Phoenix Suns coaching job last year.

The Portland Trail Blazers extended Nate McMillan's deal through 2010-11
The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised their option on coach Nate McMillan's contract, extending it through the 2010-11 season.

Blazers sign F Millsap to offer sheet
The Portland Trail Blazers signed restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap to an offer sheet Friday. The Utah Jazz have seven days to match the offer. The terms were not disclosed by the Blazers because of team policy. Millsap's agent did not immediately respond to phone calls and e-mails from The Associated Press seeking comment. Millsap averaged 13.5 points for the Jazz last season, getting double-doubles in 19 straight games while starting for Carlos Boozer, and has career averages of 9.

Portland Blazers draft pick Patty Mills to miss summer league after breaking foot
Portland Trail Blazers draft pick Patty Mills has broken his foot and won't play in the NBA's Summer League.

Blazers rookie guard Mills fractures foot - Patrick Mills (G) Portland Trail Blazers
Blazers rookie point guard Patty Mills fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Thursday's NBA Summer League practice session.

Blazers sign F Millsap to offer sheet (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap to an offer sheet. The Utah Jazz have seven days to match the offer. The Blazers say the terms of the offer Friday are not disclosed because of team policy. Millsap's agent did not immediately respond to phone calls and e-mails seeking comment.

Blazers extend coach McMillan's contract
The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised their option on coach Nate McMillan's contract, extending it through the 2010-11 season. McMillan led the Blazers to a 54-28 record last season and their first appearance in the playoffs since 2003. It was the sixth-best record in franchise history. McMillan, 44, was just the second NBA coach to improve a team by at least nine wins in three straight seasons. His overall record in a nine-year coaching career with Seattle and Portland is 360-363.

Blazers exercise option on McMillan (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised their option on coach Nate McMillan's contract, extending it through the 2010-11 season. McMillan led the Blazers to a 54-28 record last season and their first appearance in the playoffs since 2003. It was the sixth-best record in franchise history. McMillan, 44, was just the second NBA coach to improve a team by at least nine wins in three straight...

Paul Millsap offered four-year deal by Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have offered Utah Jazz free agent Paul Millsap a four-year contract worth between $32 million and $36 million, according to league sources.

Chicago Bulls prefer Jerryd Bayless of the Portland Trail Blazers in in 3-way trade talks including Utah Jazz
Another major multi-team trade might be looming in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls

Blazers draft pick Mills breaks foot (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers draft pick Patty Mills broke his right foot during practice and won't play in the NBA's Summer League. The Blazers said Friday that Mills fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during practice Thursday night. A timetable for the point guard's return has not been determined.

Blazers' Pritchard interested in Millsap (AP)
After losing out on Hedo Turkoglu, the Portland Trail Blazers are considering Paul Millsap. Turkoglu, who helped Orlando to the NBA finals, arrived in Portland last week to speak with the Blazers before negotiations were abruptly cut off. He has since been acquired by the Toronto Raptors. "We got to a point where we both felt comfortable," Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard told...

NBA free agents: Sources: Deal to send Carlos Boozer to the Chicago Bulls in works
Another major multi-team trade could be looming in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls in discussions about a deal that would be headlined by Carlos Boozer and Kirk Hinrich, according to NBA front-office sources.

Raptors confirm acquisition of Turkoglu
The Toronto Raptors confirmed their acquisition of forward Hedo Turkoglu on Thursday, perhaps the most significant free agent addition in the team's history. The 6-foot-10 forward was one of the most coveted free agents available, coming off a season in which he helped the Orlando Magic reach the NBA finals. The nine-year NBA veteran appeared poised to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers last Friday before Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo swooped in and nabbed the Turkish forward.

NBA free agents: Portland Trail Blazers considering New York Knicks forward David Lee
In the wake of losing Hedo Turkoglu, the Portland Trail Blazers have become engaged in serious discussions about making an offer to New York Knicks restricted free agent David Lee, ESPN.com learned Saturday.

Reports: Turkoglu opts for Raptors over Blazers
Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu will join the Toronto Raptors after spurning the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple reports. The 208-centimeter (6-foot-10) free agent helped Orlando to the NBA finals last season. On Friday, a person close to the Blazers confirmed that Turkoglu ended contract talks with them. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

Reports: Turkoglu will join Raptors (AP)
Free agent Hedo Turkoglu will join the Toronto Raptors after spurning the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple reports. The 6-foot-10 forward helped Orlando to the NBA finals last season. On Friday, a person close to the Blazers confirmed that Turkoglu ended contract talks with them. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

Report: Turkoglu cuts off talks with Blazers
Free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu and the Portland Trail Blazers have ended contract talks, a person close to the team confirmed Friday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, didn't immediately return calls or e-mails. The 6-foot-10 forward who helped the Orlando Magic to the NBA finals arrived in Portland on Thursday to meet Blazers executives and tour the city.

Hedo Turkoglu pulls out of talks with Portland Trail Blazers, source says
Hedo Turkoglu has broken off negotiations with the Portland Trail Blazers, a source told ESPN's Ric Bucher on Friday night.

NBA free agents: Sources: Shawn Marion, Toronto Raptors deal is not imminent
The Toronto Raptors, after repeatedly being linked to Portland-bound Hedo Turkoglu, focused their free-agent efforts on re-signing forward Shawn Marion.

NBA free agents: Hedo Turkoglu, Portland Trail Blazers have agreement in principle
Hedo Turkoglu has reached an agreement in principle to become a Portland Trail Blazer, according to sources.

Agent: Turkoglu to visit Portland
Turkish free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu will visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. In an e-mail to The Associated Press, agent Lon Babby said Turkoglu will be in Portland on Thursday. He did not elaborate. Turkoglu, who helped Orlando to the NBA finals this past season, informed the Magic he planned to opt out of his contract last week when the team acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Babby said earlier. Turkoglu was due $7.

Turkoglu to visit with Trail Blazers (AP)
Hedo Turkoglu will visit with the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. In an e-mail to The Associated Press, agent Lon Babby says Turkoglu will be in Portland on Thursday. He did not elaborate. Turkoglu, who helped Orlando to the NBA finals this past season, informed the Magic he planned to opt out of his contract last week when the team acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Babby said...

NBA free agents: Hedo Turkoglu to visit with Portland Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan is flying to Orlando to have a Wednesday night dinner with the Blazers' top free-agent target, Hedo Turkoglu.

Oden has 24 and 15 as Blazers beat Bucks (AP)

Milwaukee Bucks' Michael Redd (22) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers' Travis Outlaw (25) and Greg Oden, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Monday Jan. 19, 2009.

Greg Oden had a career-high 24 points and added 15 rebounds in the Portland Trail Blazers' 102-85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. It was Oden's team-high 12th double-double of the season. The 7-foot center, the top pick in the 2007 draft, is playing as a rookie after missing all of last season because of microfracture surgery on his knee.




Miles' milestone with Grizzlies to cost Blazers
Just more than a week had passed since the Portland Trail Blazers threatened their 29 fellow NBA teams with a lawsuit if someone signed Darius Miles.

Bobcats win third straight, top Blazers (AP)

Charlotte Bobcats forward Emeka Okafor (50) dunks as Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden (52) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009.

Gerald Wallace had 31 points and 16 rebounds, Emeka Okafor hit the clinching free throws with 2.7 seconds left in overtime and the Charlotte Bobcats beat the Portland Trail Blazers 102-97 on Saturday for their third straight win. Okafor had 22 points and 11 rebounds, outplaying foul-plagued Greg Oden as the Bobcats used tough defense over the final minute to secure their longest winning streak...




Roy, Bayless rally Blazers past Nets (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Jerryd Bayless is fouled as he runs into New Jersey Nets' Devin Harris, left, and Vince Carter, right, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday night, Jan. 15, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J.

Brandon Roy scored 29 points and rookie Jerryd Bayless added a career-high 23 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 105-99 victory over New Jersey on Thursday night, snapping the Nets' season-high four-game home winning streak. LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 points and Travis Outlaw scored all 13 of his points in the second half when the Trail Blazers rallied from an 11-point deficit.




Trail Blazers G Blake out 7-10 days (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake will be sidelined for seven to 10 days with a separated right shoulder. Blake, who is averaging 11.6 points and 4.7 assists, was injured in Wednesday night's 100-79 loss at Philadelphia. Coach Nate McMillan said Blake returned to Portland for further examination.

76ers win season-high fifth straight (AP)

Philadelphia 76ers Lou Williams (23) passes around Portland Trail Blazers Channing Frye (44) during the second half of their NBA basketball game Wednesday,  Jan. 14, 2009 in Philadelphia.

The winning streak has hit five all because Philadelphia can hit 3s. The explanation for the sudden surge in long-range makes is a simple one. "Green light," said coach Tony DiLeo. The 76ers are flooring it through their longest winning streak of the season. Andre Iguodala scored a season-high 29 points, and Lou Williams had 14 to lead Philadelphia to its fifth straight victory, 100-79 over Portland...




NBA won't fine Blazers for threatening teams
Paul Allen and the Portland Trail Blazers will not be penalized or punished by the NBA for sending a threatening e-mail to other teams warning them not to sign Darius Miles.

Outlaw, Oden lead Blazers over Bulls (AP)

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (9) of Sudan has his shot blocked by Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla (10), as Chicago Bulls' Aaron Gray, left, tries to rebound, during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Chicago, Monday, Jan. 12, 2009,

Travis Outlaw had a season-high 33 points, Greg Oden scored 17 while grabbing 13 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Chicago Bulls 109-95 on Monday night. It was a good start to the week for the Trail Blazers, who were coming off a rather chaotic one. They found themselves in an old, familiar spot -- the center of controversy -- for sending an e-mail to teams threatening legal action...




Blazers end Pistons' 7-game win streak (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers Brandon Roy cheers his team on during their NBA basketball game with the Detroit Pistons Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at the Rose Garden, in Portland, Ore.  The Trial Blazers defeated the Pistons 84-83.

Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan was direct and simple with seconds to go against the Detroit Pistons. "Go to work," McMillan said, singling out Travis Outlaw during Portland's final timeout. Outlaw followed his coach's instructions, and hit a fadeaway jumper with 8.9 seconds left to give the Blazers an 84-83 victory over the Pistons on Wednesday night.




Lakers extend home win streak to 15 (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (16), of Spain, shoots over Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden (52) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 19 and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 100-86 Sunday night for their sixth consecutive victory and 15th straight at home. LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 22 points and 11 rebounds, as all five starters scored in double figures. But the Blazers shot only 39 percent overall.




Blazers All-Star Roy to miss 7-10 more days
Brandon Roy, the All-Star guard who missed the Portland Trail Blazers' last two games because of a sprained right hamstring, will miss seven to 10 more days.

Portland's Roy likely out 7-10 days
Brandon Roy, the All-Star guard who missed the Portland Trail Blazers' last two games because of a sprained right hamstring, will miss seven to 10 more days. Roy didn't travel Saturday to Los Angeles for the Blazers' game Sunday against the Lakers and likely will miss at least three more games. An MRI Saturday showed no significant changes in his surgically repaired left knee since fluid was drained in mid-December.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/502307509" height="1" width="1"/

Hornets C Chandler suspended for 1 game (AP)
Hornets center Tyson Chandler was suspended without pay for New Orleans' game at Denver on Saturday for striking an opponent the previous night. Chandler was ejected during the third quarter of the Hornets' 92-77 win at Portland on Friday for elbowing Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla in the neck. Przybilla was also fined $7,500 for his role in the incident, the NBA said Saturday.

Hornets win fourth straight, top Blazers (AP)

New Orleans Hornets forward David West (30) looks to pass as Portland Trail Blazers forward Travis Outlaw defends during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday, Jan. 2, 2009.  West led the Hornets in scoring with 25 points as the Hornets beat the Blazers 92-77.

David West had 25 points, Chris Paul added 17 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 92-77 on Friday night for their fourth straight victory. West and Paul teamed to lead New Orleans' rally, with the Hornets outscoring Portland 41-19 in the final 15 minutes.




Dear Mr. Fantasy: We've seen enough
Our Jeff Lippman touches on all of the Fantasy options developing in Portland and the misperception about Tyson Chandler in his latest edition of Dear Mr. Fantasy.div class="feedflare" a href="http://feeds.sportsline.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=CUSTbGBH"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=41" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feeds.sportsline.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=T83Iw8nW"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=T83Iw8nW" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feeds.sportsline.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=285ka4KC"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=285ka4KC" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feeds.sportsline.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=ZR5TKMIP"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=52" border="0"/img/a /divimg src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news/~4/z7yOSDjZ58c" height="1" width="1"/

Dear Mr. Fantasy: We've seen enough
Our Jeff Lippman touches on all of the Fantasy options developing in Portland and the misperception about Tyson Chandler in his latest edition of Dear Mr. Fantasy.

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Minus Roy, Blazers still beat Celtics (AP)

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers gestures from the bench during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008.

Steve Blake had 21 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 and the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers beat the Boston Celtics 91-86 Tuesday night, sending the NBA champions to their third loss in four games. Playing without All-Star guard Brandon Roy, the Blazers snapped a seven-game losing streak against Boston and pulled into a tie atop the Northwest Division with Denver.




Roy's 32 points, 9 assists lift Blazers (AP)

Toronto Raptors Chris Bosh (4) reacts to being called for a foul in the second half of an NBA basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, in Portland, Ore. The Trail Blazers won 102-89.

This time, Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers didn't need any late-game heroics to beat the Toronto Raptors. Roy had 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 points and nine rebounds, and Portland beat the Raptors 102-89 Saturday night, sweeping the season series for the first time since 2002-03.




Nowitzki, Terry lead Mavs over Blazers (AP)
The veteran Dallas Mavericks gave the Portland Trail Blazers a lesson in toughness and discipline. Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 of his 30 points in the first half, and Jason Terry had 19 to help surging Dallas beat the Blazers 102-94 on Thursday night. Nowitzki was 12-of-18 from the field and scored on power moves and jumpers despite playing the second half in foul trouble.

Blazers tie Nuggets for 1st in Northwest (AP)

Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen, left, comes in to cover Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy in the third quarter of the Nuggets' 97-89 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points, Brandon Roy added 19 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Denver Nuggets 101-92 on Tuesday night. Joel Przybilla had 19 rebounds and 10 points, going 4-of-4 on free throws in the final 2:40 to help Portland (18-11) tie the Nuggets atop the Northwest Division. Aldridge put an exclamation point on the victory with a thunderous rebound and dunk with 20 seconds...




Nene, Billups help Nuggets top Blazers (AP)

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony applauds for teammates as he watches from the bench as the Nuggets play the Portland Trail Blazers in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. Anthony, who is suffering from a lingering bruise to his right elbow, is sitting out at least three games.

Nene scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds, Chauncey Billups added 19 points and 10 assists, and the Denver Nuggets overcame the absence of Carmelo Anthony to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 97-89 on Monday night. Five players scored in double figures for the Nuggets, who ended a three-game losing streak.




Roy scores 52, Blazers beat Suns 124-119 (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal (32) congratulates former Trail Blazer Bob Gross as he sits with his wife Cindi Gross, and daughters Kristin Gross and Traci Gross prior to a game between the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Thursday Dec. 18, 2008. Gross's number 30 was retired at halftime.

Brandon Roy scored a career-high 52 points, including a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:01 left, in the Portland Trail Blazers' 124-119 comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Roy was 14-of-27 from the field and 19-of-21 at the line. He topped his career high of 38 set last Friday night in a double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.




Blazers retire '77 hero Bobby Gross' No. 30
The Blazers retired Bobby Gross's jersey Thursday night for his eight NBA seasons with Portland.

Blazers retire No. 30 for Gross (AP)

Former Trail Blazer Bob Gross stands with his wife Cindi Gross and family members from left, Joseph Waid, Traci Gross and Kristin Gross, as his number is retired during halftime of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008.

While Terry Porter is Portland's better-known No. 30, Bobby Gross is fondly remembered among Trail Blazers fans for his contribution to the team's only NBA championship. Two days after the Blazers retired Porter's No. 30, the team similarly honored Gross, a 6-foot-6 small forward who spent seven of his eight NBA seasons with Portland.




Roy scores 29, Blazers beat Kings 109-77 (AP)

Terry Porter, center,  with his family, from left,  Brianna Porter, Franklin Porter,  wife Susie Porter and Malcolm Porter react to comments from his coach Rick Adelman on the big screen during a time out during an NBA basketball game between the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008. Porter's No. 30 was retired during a ceremony with old teammates and fans.

Brandon Roy scored 29 points before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday night with a 109-77 victory over the struggling Sacramento Kings. Playing with a splint on his injured right pinkie finger, Roy fell just short of scoring 30 points for the fourth straight game.




Power rankings: Blazers fall back to earth
Just when it appeared the future was now in Portland, the Trail Blazers came back to earth. And it shows in our new Power Rankings.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/487335933" height="1" width="1"/

Blazers retire Terry Porter's No. 30 (AP)
For a night, Terry Porter put aside the pressures of his first season as head coach of the Phoenix Suns and reveled in his past as a Portland Trail Blazer. With family, friends and former teammates looking on, the Blazers retired Porter's No. 30 jersey on Tuesday night at the Rose Garden. Fans gave him a standing ovation and one shouted above the rest, "Terry, you're awesome!" Porter played for the...

Clippers end 7-game skid against Rockets (AP)

Los Angeles Clippers forward Zach Randolph (50) goes up for a basket between Houston Rockets forward Carl Landry, left, and forward Chuck Hayes, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, in Los Angeles.

Zach Randolph had 30 points and 13 rebounds, Al Thornton scored 26 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Houston Rockets 95-82 on Saturday night to record back-to-back victories for the first time this season. Randolph, fresh off his 38-point effort in Friday night's double-overtime win at Portland, shot 12-for-23 from the field to help Los Angeles improve to 6-17.




Randolph's 38 lift Clippers to 2OT win (AP)

Los Angeles Clippers' Eric Gordon, left, and Marcus Camby, right, defend against Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday Dec. 12, 2008.

Zach Randolph scored a season-high 38 points against his former team, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 120-112 double-overtime victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Randolph also had 11 rebounds. Baron Davis scored 27 points for the Clippers and made a 3-pointer that sent the game into overtime.




Okur's 27 and 10 help Jazz beat Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy (7) reacts to a turnover to the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter of the NBA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Salt Lake City. Roy finished the night with 33 points for the game high. The Jazz defeated the Blazers 97-88.

It didn't matter much where Mehmet Okur was lining up for his shots in the first half. From 3-point range or under the basket, everything was falling for Okur in Utah's 97-88 victory over Portland on Thursday night. Okur scored 21 of his 27 points in the first half and pulled down 10 rebounds. He was 9-for-14 from the floor and made two of the Jazz's three 3-pointers.




Turkoglu's 3 with 0.3 left lifts Magic (AP)

Orlando Magic's Rashard Lewis, left, works against Portland Trail Blazers' Steve Blake, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008. The Magic beat the Trail Blazers 109-108.

In a game of back and forth between Portland and Orlando, the Magic hit the last big shot -- maybe a lucky one. Orlando made three 3-pointers during the final 1:57, including Hedo Turkoglu's 25-footer that banked in with 0.3 seconds left, and rallied to beat Portland 109-108 on Tuesday night. Southeast Division-leading Orlando (17-5) went 14-of-27 from 3-point range.




Blake's late 3 lifts Blazers by Raptors (AP)

Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh, left, drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Toronto on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 points, Steve Blake had 19 that included a 3-pointer with 9 seconds left, and the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled Toronto coach Jay Triano's home debut with a 98-97 victory over the Raptors on Sunday. Jermaine O'Neal scored a season-high 24 points along with six blocked shots, while Chris Bosh added 19, but it wasn't enough to give Triano his first win as the Raptors...




Celtics win 11th straight, beat Blazers (AP)

Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) looks to pass the ball as he is covered by Portland Trail Blazers guard Sergio Rodriguez (11), of Spain, and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Friday Dec. 5, 2008.  The Celtics won 93-78.

The Boston Celtics finally got a look at the one that got away. Greg Oden made his first visit to Boston on Friday night, and the Celtics banged him around and back to the bench with foul trouble before beating the Portland Trail Blazers 93-78. "I think he's just raw right now," Celtics forward Paul Pierce said.




Roy helps Blazers to sixth straight win (AP)
Brandon Roy took over down the stretch Wednesday night, scoring 12 of his 22 points in the final 8 minutes to help Portland beat the Washington Wizards 98-92 and extend the Trail Blazers' winning streak to six games. The well-balanced Blazers put five players in double-figures: Roy, Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Fernandez and Steve Blake.

Blazers rally by Knicks in 4th, 104-97 (AP)
Brandon Roy scored 23 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers dominated the fourth quarter to beat the New York Knicks 104-97 Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory. Rudy Fernandez made a pair of 3-pointers early in the final period and scored 18 for the Trail Blazers, who shut down the Knicks' high-powered offense for the first seven-plus minutes of the fourth and improved to 13-6, their...

Blazers win fourth straight, top Pistons (AP)
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points and Greg Oden had a career-high 13 rebounds to help the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Detroit Pistons 96-85 Sunday. Brandon Roy scored 19 points and Oden finished with 10 for Portland, which has won four straight. The Pistons fell to just 6-6 since Allen Iverson joined the team.

Blazers beat Hornets, now 7-0 at home (AP)

New Orleans Hornets' Rasual Butler, left, defends a pass by Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday Nov. 28, 2008.

Brandon Roy had 25 points and 10 assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers used a 17-point, second-half run to beat the New Orleans Hornets 101-86 on Friday night. The Blazers improved to 7-0 this season at the Rose Garden, their best start at home since they went 9-0 in the 1998-99 season. LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Blazers (11-6), who are off to their best overall...




Trail Blazers dominate Heat, win 106-68 (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Travis Outlaw scores against the Miami Heat during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. Outlaw had 15 points as the Trail Blazers beat the Heat 106-68.

Portland is 6-0 at home for the first time since the 1998-99 season, and the wins are getting easier. Reserve Channing Frye scored 17 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 16, and the Trail Blazers built a big first-quarter lead on the way to a 106-68 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. After narrowly winning their first three home games this season, Portland has won two of its last three by...




Roy has 28 as Blazers rally past Kings (AP)

The Portland Trail Blazers Travis Outlaw (25) and teammate Joel Przybilla, right, battle with  Sacramento Kings John Salmons for a loose ball in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at the Rose Garden, in Portland, Ore.

Brandon Roy scored a season-high 28 points and the Portland Trail Blazers rallied during the final six minutes to beat the Sacramento Kings 91-90 on Monday night. Joel Przybilla added 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Steve Blake had 12 points for the Blazers. Greg Oden made his first start for Portland since returning from a foot injury on Nov.




Shaq leads Suns' team effort against Portland
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Suns win 11th straight vs. Blazers (AP)

Phoenix Suns coach Terry Porter questions an offical's call against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, in Phoenix.

Shaquille O'Neal had 19 points and 17 rebounds to power the Phoenix Suns to a 102-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Amare Stoudemire added 17 points, Steve Nash had 16 on 6-for-7 shooting, and Grant Hill scored 15 for the Suns, who beat the Blazers for the second time in Phoenix this season.




Oden shines in Portland debut as Blazers rout Bulls
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Blazers rout Bulls in Oden's home debut (AP)

Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah (13) loses a rebound to Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden (52) during the first half of NBA basketball in Portland, Ore., Wednesday Nov. 19, 2008.

Greg Oden had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in his home debut for Portland and the Trail Blazers built a 30-point, first-half lead in a 116-74 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Oden, sidelined all of last season by a knee injury after being drafted first overall, entered the game to a standing ovation with 4:28 left in the first quarter, and dunked 21 seconds later.




Blazers lose despite Oden's career night (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan, left, speaks with Nicolas Batum in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.

Stephen Jackson scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and the Golden State Warriors overcame Greg Oden's 22 points and 10 rebounds in a 111-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. Anthony Morrow followed up his 37-point performance three days earlier with 25 points for Golden State, including three free throws with 5.6 seconds to play.




Roy helps Blazers beat Wolves 88-83 (AP)

Portland Trailblazers' Brandon Roy, top, shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson (25) and Corey Brewer during the first quarter of a NBA basketball game in Minneapolis on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008.

Brandon Roy continues to haunt the Minnesota Timberwolves. Roy scored 24 points, including a driving layup and then a fast-break dunk that put away the game, lifting the Portland Trail Blazers to an 88-83 victory over Minnesota on Saturday night. Roy, who was originally chosen by the Timberwolves but traded for Randy Foye on draft night, also had five assists for the Trail Blazers, who got their...




Hornets end Blazers' 4-game win streak (AP)

New Orleans Hornets forward David West (30) passes the ball as Portland Trail Blazers guard Sergio Rodriguez (11), of Spain, plays defense in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 14, 2008. West scored 18-points in the Hornets 87-82 victory over the Trail Blazers.

The New Orleans Hornets signed free-agent James Posey for his defense, his championship pedigree and his clutch shooting. The first two things should benefit the Hornets in the long run. His big-shot ability helped them beat the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. David West scored 18 points and Posey hit two 3-pointers -- New Orleans' only baskets in the last 8:30 -- to help the Hornets outlast...




Oden to return to Blazers' lineup Wednesday
Greg Oden says he's ready to play. The Portland Trail Blazers center says he'll play Wednesday night against the Miami Heat, even though the team is listing him officially as a game-time decision. Oden has missed the Blazers' last six games because of a sprained right foot suffered in Portland's season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. "Feels good. I'm ready. I'm excited," Oden said after Wednesday's shootaround. "I'll hopefully play the full game tonight." Oden was the No.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/450945826" height="1" width="1"/

Blazers get Oden back, beat Heat 104-96 (AP)

The Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade, left, argues with court official Dick Bavetta, right, during an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers' on Wednesday Nov. 12, 2008 during the first half in Miami.  The Trailblazers won 102-96.

All the buzz was about Greg Oden's return, yet it was another rookie who stole the show for the Portland Trail Blazers. Rudy Fernandez scored 25 points, including a clutch spinning jumper as the shot clock expired with 44.9 seconds left, and the Blazers celebrated Oden's comeback from a sprained right foot with a 104-96 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.




Heat F Marion misses second straight game
Heat forward Shawn Marion was held out of Miami's game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night because of continued problems with a strained groin. Marion was injured in Saturday's loss at New Orleans. He sat out Miami's win over New Jersey on Monday and got treatment again nearly until game time Wednesday with hopes of playing against the Blazers. Yakhouba Diawara started again in Marion's place. Marion could return Friday when Miami hosts Washington.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/451289001" height="1" width="1"/

Roy's 27 lead Blazers to first road win (AP)

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, left, is fouled by Portland Trail Blazers center Channing Frye while going up for a shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Nov. 10, 2008.

Brandon Roy scored 27 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to their first road win with a 106-99 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Dwight Howard had 29 points and a season-high 18 rebounds and Hedo Turkoglu added 35 points for the Magic, who finished their homestand 4-1. Point guard Steve Blake and reserve Travis Outlaw had 20 apiece as Portland's bench outscored Orlando's 40-12.




Blazers go to 3-0 at home, edge Wolves (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy, center,  looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves' Sebastian Telfair (3) and Corey Brewer (22) defend in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at the Rose Garden, in Portland, Ore.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and 12 rebounds, Brandon Roy added 24 points and nine assists and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-93 on Saturday night to improve to 3-0 at home. Al Jefferson finished with 27 points after starting off 3-for-10 from the field for Minnesota in its fifth straight loss.




Roy's long buzzer-beater lifts Blazers (AP)
Brandon Roy immediately started looking for an opportunity to redeem himself after he made a big mistake Thursday night. He didn't have to wait very long. Roy made a 30-foot jumper as time expired in overtime to lift the Portland Trail Blazers to a thrilling 101-99 win over the Houston Rockets. LaMarcus Aldridge had 27 points and nine rebounds for the Blazers, who snapped a five-game losing streak...

LIVE: Rockets looking for road win in Portland
img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/445069395" height="1" width="1"/

Sloan 1 win away from 1,000 with Jazz (AP)
Utah's Jerry Sloan can become the first NBA coach to win 1,000 games with the same team when the Jazz host Oklahoma City on Friday night. The Jazz are 999-596 since Sloan took over as coach in December 1988. Sloan, the longest tenured coach in professional sports, discounted the approaching milestone after Utah improved to 4-0 Wednesday night with a 103-96 win over Portland on Wednesday.

Jazz fend off Blazers to stay unbeaten (AP)
Mehmut Okur scored 22 points, Carlos Boozer added 20 -- including four in the final 30 seconds -- and the Utah Jazz held off the Portland Trail Blazers 103-96 on Wednesday night to stay undefeated. Brandon Roy, who had 18 points for Portland, sliced Utah's lead to one at 97-96 on a drive down the lane in the final minute.

Stoudemire scores 49 as Suns beat Pacers (AP)
Amare Stoudemire scored 49 points, falling a point short of his career high in the Phoenix Suns' 113-103 victory over Indiana on Wednesday night. Stoudemire was 17-for-21 from the field, made 15 free throws without a miss and had 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals. He just missed his career high of 50 points, set against Portland on Jan.

Suns extend streak over Blazers to 10 (AP)
Amare Stoudemire took over the game just long enough to give the Phoenix Suns yet another victory over Portland. Stoudemire scored 16 of his 23 points in the decisive third quarter and Phoenix beat the Trail Blazers 107-96 Saturday night to give Terry Porter his first home victory as Suns coach. "I had my mind set I wanted to dominate," Stoudemire said.

Blazers sign Webster to four-year extension
Injured forward Martell Webster and the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to a four-year contract extension Friday night. The deal is worth $20 million, a person close to the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Trail Blazers did not release the deal's terms. The 22-year-old Webster averaged career highs of 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 28.4 minutes in 75 games last season.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/439088444" height="1" width="1"/

Trail Blazers end 12-game skid vs. Spurs (AP)
Humiliated in their opener by the Lakers, the Portland Trail Blazers lived up to expectations that have been heaped on the young team by finally beating the San Antonio Spurs. But just barely. Michael Finley's shot at the buzzer for San Antonio rimmed out and the Blazers edged the Spurs 100-99 Friday night.

Agent: Webster inks 4-year extension with Blazers
Only a handful of players selected in the NBA's 2005 draft will have received a contract extension before Friday's midnight deadline, but you can add Portland Trail Blazers swingman Martell Webster to that list.

Lakers notch second straight blowout win (AP)
Kobe Bryant had 16 points and eight rebounds, Andrew Bynum added 12 points and nine rebounds, and the Lakers spoiled the Clippers season opener with a 117-79 rout Wednesday night. The Lakers began their season with a similar blowout a night earlier, breezing to a 96-76 win at home against Portland on Tuesday.

Portland's Oden leaves early with foot injury
Portland rookie Greg Oden's highly anticipated NBA debut didn't last long Tuesday night. He left the game against the Los Angeles Lakers late in the first half with a foot injury after taking four shots and going scoreless. Oden missed two free throws, had two rebounds, one turnover, blocked one shot and picked up two fouls while playing 12:51. The severity of his injury wasn't immediately known.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/435475462" height="1" width="1"/

Oden hurts foot, Blazers lose to Lakers (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, center, stretches to the basket to score against Portland Trail Blazers forward Travis Outlaw (25) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008.

Kobe Bryant had 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists Tuesday night, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 96-76 season-opening victory over the Portland Trail Blazers and spoiling rookie Greg Oden's debut, which was cut short by another injury. Bryant orchestrated a well-balanced offense for the Lakers, who also played tenacious defense.




Portland's Oden hurts foot; MRI set for Wednesday
Portland rookie Greg Oden's highly anticipated NBA debut didn't last long Tuesday night. He left the game against the Los Angeles Lakers late in the first half with a foot injury after taking four shots and going scoreless. Oden missed two free throws, had two rebounds, one turnover, blocked one shot and picked up two fouls while playing 12:51. The severity of his injury wasn't immediately known.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/435963942" height="1" width="1"/

Adande: Oden's debut comes to a hobbling halt
Greg Oden's Portland debut was long awaited. Then came an injury in the opener against the Lakers. But the Blazers are used to playing without him, writes J.A. Adande.

Oden will sit out 2-4 weeks with foot sprain
Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden will be out four-to-six weeks with an injury to his right foot. The team said Wednesday that an MRI and CT scan revealed Oden has a mid-lateral foot sprain. Oden injured his foot in the first quarter of the Blazers' 96-76 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. The 7-foot center was the top pick in the 2007 draft but did not play last season after he had microfracture surgery on his right knee.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/436429475" height="1" width="1"/

Oden out 4-6 weeks with foot sprain
Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden will be out four-to-six weeks with an injury to his right foot. The team said Wednesday that an MRI and CT scan revealed Oden has a mid-lateral foot sprain. Oden injured his foot in the first quarter of the Blazers' 96-76 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. The 7-foot center was the top pick in the 2007 draft but did not play last season after he had microfracture surgery on his right knee.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/436405026" height="1" width="1"/

Blazers C Oden hurts foot in debut (AP)
Portland rookie Greg Oden's highly anticipated NBA debut didn't last long Tuesday night. He left the game against the Los Angeles Lakers late in the first half with a foot injury after taking four shots and going scoreless. Oden missed two free throws, had two rebounds, one turnover, blocked one shot and picked up two fouls while playing 12:51.

Blazers pick up options for Oden, Roy, Aldridge
The Portland Trail Blazers exercised fourth-year options Saturday on the contracts of forward LaMarcus Aldridge and guards Sergio Rodriguez and Brandon Roy.

Blazers pick up options on Oden, 3 more (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers exercised fourth-year options Saturday on the contracts of forward LaMarcus Aldridge and guards Sergio Rodriguez and Brandon Roy. The Blazers also said exercised their third-year option on center Greg Oden, who missed last season following microfracture surgery on his right knee after being selected No.

Bulls pick up options on 3 players (AP)
The Chicago Bulls exercised contract options for the 2009-10 season on forward Tyrus Thomas, guard Thabo Sefolosha and center Joakim Noah on Friday. Thomas has averaged 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in two seasons. The fourth overall pick by Portland in 2006, he was acquired in a trade for the draft rights to LaMarcus Aldridge.

Oden's double-double leads Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, left, reaches for the ball held by Los Angeles Clippers center Paul Davis during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, in Los Angeles.

Brandon Roy scored 17 points, rookie Greg Oden had 12 points and 13 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 87-75 on Wednesday night. Oden, the only player to appear in all six of Portland's exhibition games, is averaging 11.5 points and 7.8 boards. The 7-foot center from Ohio State was the first overall pick in the June 2007 draft, but missed all of last season after...




Trail Blazers are back and so are the fans
The fans went away during the "Jail Blazers" era, but Mike Kahn says this new group finally has things looking up in Portland.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/421734920" height="1" width="1"/

Jazz beat Blazers in preseason contest
Andrei Kirilenko had 15 points and five assists, and the Utah Jazz beat the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 93-80 in a preseason game Sunday. With the exception of center Greg Oden, the Blazers' expected starters for the season rested or out due to injuries. Carlos Boozer played in his first exhibition game for the Jazz, who led by as many as 19 points. He missed the first two preseason contests due to a sore left hamstring. Boozer had 12 points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/419040774" height="1" width="1"/

Jazz ease past short-handed Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden, center, is trappped under the basket by Utah Jazz players C.J. Miles, left, and Mehmet Okur, from Turkey, during the second half of their NBA preseason basketball game in Portland,  Ore., Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008.  Utah won 93-80.

Andrei Kirilenko had 15 points and five assists, and the Utah Jazz beat the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 93-80 in a preseason game Sunday. With the exception of center Greg Oden, the Blazers' expected starters for the season rested or were out because of injuries. Carlos Boozer played in his first exhibition game for the Jazz, who led by as many as 19 points.




Blazers' Oden has 14 points, 9 rebounds (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jarryd Bayless, right, drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Marcus Williams during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008.

Kelenna Azubuike scored 18 points, all in the second half, and Brandan Wright added 16 points and the Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-95 Wednesday night. Portland center Greg Oden, the first pick of the 2007 draft, scored 14 points and pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.




Trail Blazers' Webster has surgery on left foot
Guard Rudy Fernandez and center Joel Przybilla will not travel with the Portland Trail Blazers for their game in Kansas City against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Fernandez sprained his left ankle in the Blazers' 110-95 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Przybilla has bronchitis. The team also said that small forward Martell Webster had surgery Thursday to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. He will likely miss eight to 10 weeks.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/416236626" height="1" width="1"/

Blazers' Fernandez, Przybilla sidelined (AP)
Guard Rudy Fernandez and center Joel Przybilla will not travel with the Portland Trail Blazers for their game in Kansas City against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Fernandez sprained his left ankle in the Blazers' 110-95 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Przybilla has bronchitis.

Oden scores 13 points in Blazers' debut (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, right, drives on Sacramento Kings forward John Salmons in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008.

Greg Oden announced his delayed arrival to the NBA with a dunk two minutes into the preseason. Oden debuted to a standing ovation, as did the rest of the young Portland Trail Blazers, in a 110-81 exhibition victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Oden finished with 13 points in just under 20 minutes.




Oden makes NBA debut in preseason rout
Greg Oden announced his delayed arrival to the NBA with a dunk two minutes into the preseason. Oden debuted to a standing ovation, as did the rest of the young Portland Trail Blazers, in a 110-81 exhibition victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Oden finished with 13 points in just under 20 minutes. "The big fella is a beast, man," teammate Brandon Roy said. Oden was the No.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/414582637" height="1" width="1"/

False alarm: Blazers' Oden OK after rolling ankle
Portland center Greg Oden is OK after rolling his right ankle during the first day of training camp.

Oden OK after rolling ankle at practice
Portland center Greg Oden is OK after rolling his right ankle during the first day of training camp. "He's fine," Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan said Wednesday. "Everybody, he's fine. He's OK." Oden, who missed all of his rookie season because of knee surgery, was injured Tuesday during a drill while pushing fellow center Joel Przybilla for rebounding position. After walking with a slight limp, he finished practice by riding a stationary bike.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/408471411" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets sign second-round pick Dorsey
Rookie forward Joey Dorsey agreed to a contract Monday with the Houston Rockets. The 6-foot-8 Dorsey was drafted by Portland early in the second round before the Rockets acquired his rights. Dorsey was twice named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year for Memphis, where he was the league's career rebounding leader. The Rockets also signed center Marcus Campbell and guard Von Wafer.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/406475508" height="1" width="1"/

Dixon returns to Wizards with free-agent deal
The Washington Wizards signed free-agent guard Juan Dixon on Tuesday. Dixon's deal returns him to the team that drafted him after he led Maryland to the 2002 NCAA championship. Dixon played his first three pro seasons with the Wizards. He has also been with Portland, Toronto and Detroit, averaging 8.9 points, 1.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds over six seasons.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/401164609" height="1" width="1"/

G Dixon returns to Wizards (AP)
Guard Juan Dixon signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, returning to the team that drafted him after he led Maryland to an NCAA title. Dixon played his first three NBA seasons with the Wizards, from 2002-03 to 2004-05. He has also been with Portland, Toronto and Detroit, averaging 8.9 points, 1.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds over six seasons.

LaFrentz scheduled to have shoulder surgery
Portland Trail Blazers center Raef LaFrentz will have shoulder surgery later this month. The surgery to repair a tear in the labrum of his right shoulder will be performed Sept. 26 at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles. A timetable for his return to the team will be determined after the surgery. LaFrentz injured his shoulder during a game against Seattle on Feb. 22.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/391087863" height="1" width="1"/

Blazers C LaFrentz to undergo surgery on shoulder
Portland Trail Blazers center Raef LaFrentz will have shoulder surgery later this month.

Blazers C LaFrentz to undergo surgery (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers center Raef LaFrentz will have shoulder surgery later this month. The surgery to repair a tear in the labrum of his right shoulder will be performed Sept. 26 at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles. A timetable for his return to the team will be determined after the surgery.

Frye has ankle surgery, will miss 8-10 weeks
Portland Trail Blazers forward Channing Frye will likely miss the start of the regular season after having surgery to remove bone spurs from his left ankle. The arthroscopic surgery was performed Monday in Southern California, and the team said he is expected to miss 8-to-10 weeks. The Trail Blazers open their season Oct. 28. The 6-foot-11 Frye averaged 6.8 points in 78 games last season. He's expected to again be a key reserve, backing up power forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

Blazers F Frye undergoes ankle surgery (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers forward Channing Frye will likely miss the start of the regular season after having surgery to remove bone spurs from his left ankle. The arthroscopic surgery was performed Monday in Southern California, and the team said he is expected to miss 8-to-10 weeks. The Trail Blazers open their season Oct.

Heat sign 'big body' Magloire
The Heat signed former All-Star center Jamaal Magloire on Tuesday, four days after agreeing to basic terms with the nine-year veteran. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Magloire has averaged 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his career. He spent his first five seasons with the Charlotte and New Orleans Hornets, and has now been with five teams since the start of the 2005-06 season - Milwaukee, Portland, New Jersey, Dallas and now Miami.

Heat sign former All-Star C Magloire (AP)
The Heat signed former All-Star center Jamaal Magloire on Tuesday, four days after agreeing to basic terms with the nine-year veteran. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Magloire has averaged 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his career. He spent his first five seasons with the Charlotte and New Orleans Hornets, and has now been with five teams since the start of the 2005-06 season -- Milwaukee, Portland, New...

Officials: Duckworth died of heart disease
Oregon officials say an autopsy shows former Portland Trail Blazers center Kevin Duckworth died when his enlarged heart failed. Duckworth died Monday at 44 on the Oregon coast, where he was on a goodwill tour for the team. The Oregon State Police said Wednesday the autopsy was done by Dr. Larry Lewman, a state medical examiner who concluded that Duckworth died of "hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure.

Police: Duckworth died of congestive heart failure
Oregon officials say an autopsy shows former Portland Trail Blazers center Kevin Duckworth died when his enlarged heart failed.

Duckworth died of enlarged heart (AP)
Oregon officials say an autopsy shows former Portland Trail Blazers center Kevin Duckworth died when his enlarged heart failed. Duckworth died Monday at 44 on the Oregon coast, where he was on a goodwill tour for the team. The Oregon State Police said Wednesday the autopsy was done by Dr. Larry Lewman, a state medical examiner who concluded that Duckworth died of "hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with...

Kevin Duckworth, former Trail Blazer, dies at 44
Kevin Duckworth, a two-time NBA All-Star who spent the majority of his 12 NBA seasons as the Portland Trail Blazers' center, has died. He was 44.

Ex-Trail Blazer Duckworth dies at 44 (AP)
Former Portland Trail Blazer center Kevin Duckworth died while on a trip to the Oregon Coast to host a free basketball clinic. He was 44. The Lincoln County sheriff's office confirmed the death. He died Monday. The 7-foot Duckworth was a starter for the Trail Blazers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and a Western Conference All-Star in 1989 and 1991.

Former pro basketball player Duckworth dies
Former Portland Trail Blazers center Kevin Duckworth, a "gentle giant" with a feathery touch from the paint, has died. He was 44.

Celtics sign Miles despite knee injury
The Boston Celtics signed forward Darius Miles, who missed the last two NBA seasons because of knee injuries. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said Friday that Miles worked out twice for the team before signing. Miles played for Portland in the 2005-2006 season. Portland waived Miles after it was determined his right knee was damaged enough to qualify as a career-ending injury. Miles was selected third overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2000 NBA draft.

Celtics sign F Darius Miles (AP)
The Boston Celtics signed forward Darius Miles, who missed the last two NBA seasons because of knee injuries. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said Friday that Miles worked out twice for the team before signing. Miles played for Portland in the 2005-2006 season. Portland waived Miles after it was determined his right knee was damaged enough to qualify as a career-ending injury.

Blazers hoping Roy might return by Oct. 28 opener
The Portland Trail Blazers got some good news Thursday when they found out guard Brandon Roy likely will be out for only one to two months after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

Roy to have surgery to repair torn meniscus
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will have arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a tear in the meniscus of his left knee. Am MRI, taken Tuesday revealed the tear, the team said Wednesday. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday. Trail Blazers team physician Dr. Don Roberts will perform the surgery at Southwest Washington Regional Surgery Center in Vancouver, Wash.

Trail Blazers G Roy to have knee surgery (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will have arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a tear in the meniscus of his left knee. Am MRI, taken Tuesday revealed the tear, the team said Wednesday. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday. Trail Blazers team physician Dr. Don Roberts will perform the surgery at Southwest Washington Regional Surgery Center in Vancouver, Wash.

Oden looks good after public practice with Blazers
Greg Oden can still dunk. That much was clear Tuesday when the top pick in last year's NBA draft worked out in front of the media for the first time since right knee surgery wiped out his rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Celtics open vs. Cavs; Lakers vs. Oden, Blazers
The Boston Celtics begin defense of their NBA title on opening night against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and will face the Los Angeles Lakers in a finals rematch on Christmas Day. The Celtics will host the Cavaliers, who they beat in seven games in last season's Eastern Conference semifinals, on Oct. 28. The Lakers are also in action that night, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers in what should be Greg Oden's NBA debut. The No.

Trail Blazers sign G Batum (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers signed French guard-forward Nicolas Batum on Wednesday. The 6-foot-8 19-year-old was the 25th overall pick in the draft by Houston, which traded his rights to Portland for picks Darrell Arthur (27th overall) and Joey Dorsey (33rd overall). Batum played the past three seasons for MSB Le Mans of the French ProA League.

Blazers' Oden eager to start NBA career (AP)
Greg Oden is itching to get his delayed NBA career going, but he's still forbidden from any 5-on-5 action until September. Oden's rookie season was over before it even started when he had right knee surgery last September. Recovery can take six months or more, and the Portland Trail Blazers decided their No.

Heat sign F James Jones to 5-year deal (AP)
James Jones has signed a five-year contract with the Miami Heat, giving the swingman an opportunity to play for his hometown team starting next season. Jones, a South Florida native who played at the University of Miami, made 291 shots from 3-point range over the past three seasons while playing for Phoenix and Portland.

Blazers finalize trade for Pacers' Diogu, Bayless
The Trail Blazers completed the draft-night deal that brought Jarryd Bayless and forward Ike Diogu to Portland and sent Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts and cash to the Pacers.

76ers name former GM Nash scout (AP)
The Philadelphia 76ers hired former general manager John Nash as a pro personnel scout Tuesday. Nash was working as a basketball analyst on local cable, and will now provide analysis and reports on players and teams throughout the NBA for the Sixers. Nash was a general manager with the 76ers, the Washington Bullets, New Jersey Nets and Portland Trail Blazers.

Trail Blazers agree with Spanish guard Fernandez
The Portland Trail Blazers have reached an agreement to sign Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez.

Pacers deal 11th pick Bayless to Blazers (AP)
The Indiana Pacers traded first-round draft pick Jerryd Bayless to the Portland Trail Blazers for No. 13 pick Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts. Rush's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told The Associated Press about the deal Thursday night, shortly after Portland picked Rush. Bayless was selected 11th overall.

Hornets trade 1st-round pick to Blazers (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have agreed to send their first-round draft pick, the 27th overall, to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for cash. The deal is expected to be announced Wednesday afternoon, according to a person who works in the NBA and is familiar with the transaction. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced.

Source: Hornets trade 27th draft pick to Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Hornets to acquire the 27th pick in the draft for cash considerations, a Blazers source told ESPN.com.

Lawsuit against Zach Randolph dropped (AP)
A $300,000 lawsuit that accused former Portland Trail Blazer Zach Randolph of battering and harassing a man he thought had given information to police about ex-teammate Qyntel Woods has been dropped. Both sides declined to say if there was a cash settlement. Trial had been set to begin Monday. Robert Bacote filed suit against Woods and Randolph, now with the New York Knicks, in October 2006.

Spanish star guard Fernandez plans to join Blazers
Guard Rudy Fernandez said Friday that he plans to leave his Spanish ACB League team to join the Portland Trail Blazers.

G Fernandez plans to play for Blazers (AP)
Guard Rudy Fernandez said Friday that he plans to leave his Spanish ACB League team to join the Portland Trail Blazers. Fernandez made the announcement at a press conference in Spain. The Trail Blazers can not comment, because of league rules, until he signs with the team on July 1. "It has not been easy for me to take this decision, but it is the moment to face new challenges," Fernandez said.

Blazers work out Giles prior to draft (AP)
C.J. Giles is hoping to show that he has learned from his mistakes and has the discipline and maturity to make it in the pros. Giles, who was kicked out of two college programs, worked out for the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, the first of eight workouts he's scheduled in advance of the NBA draft.

Suns to interview Rockets' assistant Turner
The Phoenix Suns will interview Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner as a replacement for former head coach Mike D'Antoni. The interview will be next week, the team said Friday. The 48-year-old Turner has been an assistant to coach Rick Adelman for 11 years with Portland, Sacramento and Houston. Turner joins Terry Porter and Mark Jackson as candidates. Porter, a Detroit Pistons' assistant and former head coach at Milwaukee, was interviewed by Suns general manager Steve Kerr on Tuesday.

Suns to interview Rockets asst. Turner (AP)
The Phoenix Suns will interview Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner as a replacement for former head coach Mike D'Antoni. The interview will be next week, the team said Friday. The 48-year-old Turner has been an assistant to coach Rick Adelman for 11 years with Portland, Sacramento and Houston. Turner joins Terry Porter and Mark Jackson as candidates.

Lakers not down after first playoff loss (AP)
After opening the playoffs with six straight wins, the Lakers aren't about to get discouraged by one loss. Los Angeles still leads Utah 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinals and can take a commanding lead home with a victory Sunday afternoon in Game 4. Utah's 104-99 win in Game 3 on Friday night was the Lakers' first loss since April 8 against Portland.

Turkoglu chosen NBA's most improved player
Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu has been selected the NBA's most improved player. The NBA announced Monday that Turkoglu received 380 points, including 61 first-place votes. Memphis Grizzlies guard Rudy Gay was second with 167 points and 23 first-place votes, while Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge was third with 128 points and nine first-place votes. Turkoglu, in his eighth NBA season, averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game, 5.

Magic F Turkoglu named most improved (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu has been selected the NBA's most improved player. The NBA announced Monday that Turkoglu received 380 points, including 61 first-place votes. Memphis Grizzlies guard Rudy Gay was second with 167 points and 23 first-place votes, while Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge was third with 128 points and nine first-place votes.

Blazers assure at least a .500 season (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward James Jones drives to the hoop during second half NBA basketball action against the Memphis Grizzlies in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, April 15, 2008. James led the Blazers in scoring with 20 points as they beat the Grizzlies 113-91.

Once the Trail Blazers assured themselves of at least a .500 season with a victory in their home finale, Jarrett Jack dressed uncharacteristically in a slick suit and donned sunglasses in the locker room. "He was supposed to get dressed up, too," Jarrett Jack said motioning at guard Brandon Roy, casual in jeans, as his other teammates chided him.




Trail Blazers request waivers on F Miles (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have requested waivers on injured forward Darius Miles, a move to save money under the NBA salary cap. A medical examiner appointed by the league and the players association determined the damage to Miles' right knee is severe enough to qualify as a career-ending injury, general manager Kevin Pritchard said Monday.

Trail Blazers hold off Mavericks 108-105 (AP)

Dallas Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson shouts while he argues with a ref in the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday, April 12, 2008, in Portland, Ore. The Trail Blazers defeated the Mavericks 108-105.

Brandon Roy scored 23 points and the Portland Trail Blazers held off a late challenge to beat the Dallas Mavericks 108-105 on Saturday night. The Blazers led by as many as 16 points in the first half, but Dallas chipped away and kept it close throughout the second. Eddie Jones hit a layup for the Mavs to make it 101-97 before Dirk Nowitzki made two consecutive jumpers to tie it at 101 with 58...




Kings' Martin out, but Artest returns (AP)
Leading scorer Kevin Martin missed Sacramento's game against the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night with an injured right knee. Martin, who is averaging 23.7 points, hurt himself in the third quarter Friday night against Portland. He did not return to the game and was unavailable against the Hornets.

Lakers' skid in Portland continues; Blazers prevail
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Blazers snap Lakers' 4-game win streak (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant purses his lips on court in the final seconds of their NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, April 8, 2008.  The Lakers lost to the Blazers 112-103 despite Bryant's 34 point effort.

Though the Trail Blazers are out of the playoffs, that doesn't mean they're going quietly. With the crowd at the Rose Garden chanting "Beat L.A!" Portland held off the Los Angeles Lakers 112-103 on Tuesday night. Brandon Roy scored 23 points and matched his career high with 12 assists for Portland, which snapped a five-game losing streak.




Duncan leads Spurs over Blazers 72-65 (AP)

San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan, right, and Tony Parker, center, defend the drive of Portland Trail Blazers' Jarett Jack during the second half of an NBA basketball in Portland, Ore., Sunday, April 6, 2008.

The San Antonio Spurs are not letting up now that they've secured a place in the playoffs. There's too much scrambling in the Western Conference. Tim Duncan had 27 points and 11 rebounds and San Antonio beat Portland 72-65 on Sunday, extending the Spurs' winning streak over the Trail Blazers to 12 straight games.




Lakers F Walton out Sunday vs. Kings (AP)
Forward Luke Walton missed the Lakers' game at Sacramento on Sunday night with a strained right hamstring, adding another injury woe to Los Angeles' long list. Walton, who averages 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists as a key depth player for the Lakers, was injured during Los Angeles' home victory over Portland on Wednesday night.

Blazers center Przybilla breaks hand, season over
Portland center Joel Przybilla will miss the rest of the season after breaking his hand.

McGrady's 35 lead Rockets by Blazers (AP)

Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, right, is fouled by Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla during first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Thursday, April 3, 2008.

Tracy McGrady scored 26 of his 35 points in the second half, and the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 95-88 Thursday night. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Houston. The Rockets, once atop the Western Conference with a 22-game winning streak, are currently in fifth place with the Phoenix Suns.




Gasol returns as Lakers defeat Blazers (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, defends against Portland Trail Blazers forward Travis Outlaw during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, April 2, 2008.

Kobe Bryant scored 14 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol added 10 points in his first game in nearly three weeks and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-91 on Wednesday night. Bryant also had 13 rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers (51-24), who trail New Orleans by 1 1/2 games and San Antonio by one game in the Western Conference standings.




Blazers' Webster taken to hospital (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers forward Martell Webster was hospitalized Thursday because of flu-like symptoms and dizziness. Further details weren't immediately available. Webster, averaging 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds, leads the team with 123 3-pointers. The Blazers faced Houston on Thursday night.

Loyola Marymount hires Blazers assistant Bayno
Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Bill Bayno will be named Loyola Marymount's men's basketball coach at a news conference Friday, Bayno confirmed to ESPN.com.

Lakers' Gasol likely to play tonight against Blazers
The sprained left ankle is not 100 percent healed, but Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol, who missed nine games because of the injury, is expected to be on the court Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Okafor, Richardson lead Bobcats to win (AP)

Charlotte Bobcats' Jason Richardson (23) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla (10) during the first half ofn NBA basketball in Portland, Ore., Saturday March 29, 2008.

Emeka Okafor scored 21 points and Jason Richardson added 20 for the Charlotte Bobcats in a 93-85 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. The Bobcats broke open the back-and-forth game in the final 2 minutes, and won despite being outrebounded 57-32 by the Blazers. Travis Outlaw scored 26 points to lead Portland, and LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points and 13 rebounds for his...




Warriors top Blazers, remain 8th in West (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Travis Outlaw, left, drives into Golden State Warriors' Stephen Jackson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.

Stephen Jackson scored 14 of his 24 points in the third quarter and the Golden State Warriors bolstered their playoff position against the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers in a 111-95 victory Thursday night. The Warriors caught a lucky break when Portland All-Star guard Brandon Roy stayed home to nurse a sore groin.




Blazers reprimand Oden for gym game
Injured center Greg Oden was reprimanded by the Portland Trail Blazers for playing in a pickup game at a neighborhood gym.

Oden reprimanded for playing pickup game (AP)
Injured center Greg Oden was reprimanded by the Portland Trail Blazers for playing in a pickup game at a neighborhood gym. "We called him and we told him he can't do that," coach Nate McMillan said Friday. Oden, the top pick in last year's draft, is out for the season after microfracture surgery on his right knee.

Blazers lose Roy but beat Wizards 102-82 (AP)

Washington Wizards' Brendan Haywood (33) tries to block a shot by Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday March 25, 2008.

Martell Webster had 23 points, Travis Outlaw added 20 and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame the loss of top scorer Brandon Roy to beat the Washington Wizards 102-82 on Tuesday night. Jarrett Jack added 17 points and Joel Przybilla had 17 rebounds for the Blazers, who shot 49.4 percent despite Roy leaving with a strained right groin on the last play of the first quarter.




Portland loses Roy with groin injury
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy left Portland's game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night after straining his right groin at the end of the first quarter. Roy was attempting to block a long 3-pointer by Caron Butler and came down awkwardly. The All-Star crumpled to the floor, but then got up and limped off the court. Roy, Portland's scoring leader with 19.5 points per game, tried to return at 8:13 in the second quarter but left the court after less than 2 minutes and didn't return.

Sonics snap 11-game skid, beat Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy, right, greets his former college coach, University of Washington head basketball coach Lorenzo Romar, left, prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Seattle SuperSonics Monday, March 24, 2008 at KeyArena in Seattle.

Kevin Durant scored 23 points and the Seattle SuperSonics snapped their 11-game losing streak with a 97-84 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night in what could be the final meeting of the I-5 rivalry. With Sonics owner Clay Bennett pressing to move his team to Oklahoma City as early as next season, Monday night may have been the final time the longtime rivals faced off just 180 miles...




Pryzbilla's 25 rebounds power Blazers (AP)

Portland Trailblazers' Jarrett Jack goes up against  Los Angeles Clippers' Corey Maggette during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, March 22, 2008.

Joel Przybilla had a career-high 25 rebounds and 24 points, Brandon Roy scored 23 points and the Portland Trail Blazers sent the Los Angeles Clippers to their seventh straight loss with an 83-72 victory on Saturday night. LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Trail Blazers complete a three-game season sweep.




Aldridge, Roy help Blazers beat Clippers (AP)

Los Angeles Clippers' Dan Dickau drives against Portland Trail Blazers' Martell Webster (8) during the first half of basketball in Portland, Ore., Friday on March 21, 2008.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 22 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high seven assists, Brandon Roy added 21 points and six assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-102 on Friday night. Martell Webster had 16 points and Steve Blake had 15 points and 11 assists for Portland, which has slim playoff hopes.




Suns win fifth straight, beat Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers Brandon Roy wipes his face while walking the court following his teams 111-98 loss to the Phoenix Suns during an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in Portland, Ore.

Shaquille O'Neal never worried that he wouldn't fit in Phoenix. With the Suns rolling as they are, he certainly knows he belongs now. Amare Stoudemire scored 25 points, O'Neal had a hard-fought 16 points and 14 rebounds, and the Suns cruised to their fifth straight win, 111-98 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.




Aldridge, Roy power Blazers past Wolves (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward Martell Webster, right, drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jaric, from Serbia, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, March 15, 2008.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points, Brandon Roy had 25 points and eight assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-96 Saturday night to sweep the season series. Travis Outlaw broke out of four-game slump with 17 points and James Jones added 13 for the Blazers, who hung on to their dwindling playoff hopes, winning the first game on a three-game homestand.




Artest helps Kings beat Blazers 96-85 (AP)

Sacramento Kings guard Beno Udrih, of Slovenia, center, goes up for the shot against Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla, left, and Brandon Roy, right, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday,  March 13, 2008.  The Kings beat the Trail Blazers 96-85.

Uninspired defense had become the norm for the slumping Sacramento Kings in recent weeks. Ron Artest helped solve that problem Thursday night, playing high intensity defense, and scoring 22 points, for the Kings in a 96-85 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Sacramento had allowed 100 or more points to 11 straight opponents and lost seven of those games, including discouraging defeats to...




Oden practices with Blazers for 1st time
Greg Oden practiced with the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time since right knee surgery ended his season six months ago. Oden, the 7-foot center taken with the first pick in last year's draft, participated in offensive drills and even dunked during 45 minutes of work Wednesday. The Blazers were in Sacramento for Thursday night's game against the Kings. "It was fun," Oden told The Oregonian newspaper. "It felt good to get out there ... and I wasn't hurting at all.

Report: Oden works out with Blazers teammates
The Trail Blazers got a glimpse at their future on Wednesday when center Greg Oden, who has missed the entire season, practiced with the team for 45 minutes, The (Portland) Oregonian reported.

Roy keys game-breaking run for Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla  reaches for a rebound above Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson, bottom center, in first quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 11, 2008 in Minneapolis. Przybilla had 10 rebounds in the Trail Blazers' 103-96 win.

With the season winding down and his team's playoff hopes dimming with every loss, Portland coach Nate McMillan was looking for a leader. Brandon Roy may only be a 23-year-old second-year pro, but that didn't stop McMillan from challenging last season's rookie of the year to be that guy. Roy had 27 points and nine assists, playing biggest during a game-deciding 12-2 run in the fourth quarter to...




James' triple-double rallies Cavs to win (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James dunks on a breakaway during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, March 10, 2008, in Cleveland.

LeBron James had 24 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists and recorded his seventh triple-double of the season as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied in the second half for an 88-80 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. It is the 17th triple-double of James' career. The Cavaliers were down by 13 points in the second quarter and didn't take their first lead until late in the third period.




Knicks' Curry will miss at least a game
Knicks center Eddy Curry has torn cartilage in his right knee and will rest for a few days before a decision on surgery is made. Curry missed New York's loss to Portland on Saturday after hurting the knee during the first half of a loss to Detroit the previous night. An MRI exam Sunday revealed a small vertical tear, so Curry will need surgery at some point.

Blazers overcome 45 by Knicks' Robinson (AP)

New York Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas reacts to a call during the overti\me period of a basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday, March 8, 2008  in New York. The Knicks lost the game 120-114

Brandon Roy watched his old pal Nate Robinson single-handedly keep the Knicks in the game for 48 minutes. Then Roy decided it was time to win it. Roy scored eight of his 27 points in overtime, and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame Robinson's career-high 45 points Saturday night to beat New York 120-114.




Knicks to take on Blazers without top four scorers
Jamal Crawford and Eddy Curry were added to the injury list Saturday night, leaving the New York Knicks without their top four scorers for their game against Portland.

Aldridge's late jumper rescues Blazers (AP)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Desmond Mason, right, goes up for a basket against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, left, in the second half of a basketball game Friday March 7, 2008, in Milwaukee.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 29 points, including a 13-foot jumper with 2.4 seconds remaining, to rally the Portland Trail Blazers to a 103-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. Steve Blake had 21 points and Brandon Roy added 20 for Portland, which won after trailing by eight points in the fourth quarter.




Stoudemire has 22, Suns hold off Blazers (AP)

Phoenix Sun's Shaquille O'Neal (32) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, March 4, 2008.

Amare Stoudemire scored 22 points and the Phoenix Suns fought off a late surge by the Portland Trail Blazers for a 97-92 victory on Tuesday night. Phoenix had lost two straight and was 2-4 since adding center Shaquille O'Neal to the lineup. The Suns have also surrendered the top spot of the Western Conference's Pacific Division to the Los Angeles Lakers.




Webber could miss rest of Warriors' road trip
Chris Webber missed Golden State's game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night with a sore left knee. Warriors coach Don Nelson said Webber, who left a win Sunday over Portland after eight minutes, plans to stay in Atlanta to rehab and could sit out the final three games of Golden State's current road trip. Results of an MRI taken Monday in Oakland were negative. Matt Barnes started in place of Webber, a 14th-year center-forward who is averaging 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in nine games.

Pistons sign C Theo Ratliff (AP)
The Detroit Pistons signed center Theo Ratliff, who was released Friday by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 13-year veteran signed a free-agent deal with the Detroit Pistons, the team he started his career with in 1995. Ratliff was traded to Philadelphia in 1997 for Jerry Stackhouse, and has also played for Atlanta, Boston, Portland and Minnesota.

Suns visit Portland
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Jackson's 3s guide Warriors past Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Steve Blake (2) drives past Golden State Warriors' Baron Davis, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 2, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.

Not even coach Don Nelson can pretend he expected so much so soon from his Golden State Warriors. Last season's lovable underdogs are again in eighth place in the Western Conference, yet the Warriors look more like real playoff contenders with each impressive victory during three months of solid play that culminated Sunday night with a revenge win over Portland.




Blazers end Lakers' 10-game win streak (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, goes to the hoop against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge during NBA second half basketball action in Portland, Ore., Friday, Feb. 29, 2008.   The Blazers won 119-111.

Brandon Roy launched a rally for the Portland Trail Blazers' final 24 games. He told his teammates: "Let's make a push, you guys!" Portland responded with a 119-111 victory Friday night over the Los Angeles Lakers. Roy had 20 points and a career-high 12 assists after missing the previous two games with a sprained right ankle.




Jack's big 4th quarter saves Blazers (AP)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Corey Maggette (50) goes up for a shot as Portland Trail Blazers forward Travis Outlaw (25) guards during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in Los Angeles. The Trail Blazers won 82-80.

The Portland Trail Blazers blew a lead of 14 or more points for the third straight game. This time, they wouldn't be denied a win. Jarrett Jack tied a season high with 21 points, scoring 13 of them in the fourth quarter and leading the Trail Blazers to an 82-80 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.




Bryant scores 30, Lakers run streak to 9 (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward Travis Outlaw reacts late in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008. The Lakers won 96-83.

Kobe Bryant established the tone for this season from opening night: He's going for his fourth championship instead of his third consecutive NBA scoring title. Bryant got 11 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers held Portland to 36 percent field goal shooting, beating the Trail Blazers 96-83 Tuesday night for their ninth straight victory.




Celts rally from 17 down, defeat Blazers (AP)

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, left, loses the ball as he draws an offensive foul against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008.

Paul Pierce scored 30 points and the Boston Celtics rebounded from a slow start to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 112-102 and snap a three-game losing streak. The Celtics trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half, but gained control in the second when the Blazers struggled without guard Brandon Roy.




Nets waive former All-Star Magloire
The New Jersey Nets waived center Jamaal Magloire on Friday. The eight-year pro played in 24 games this season, averaging 1.8 points and 3.4 rebounds. He signed with the Nets in July. The former All-Star has averaged 8.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in 530 NBA games with Charlotte, Milwaukee, Portland and New Jersey.

Nets waive former All-Star C Magloire (AP)
The New Jersey Nets waived center Jamaal Magloire on Friday. The eight-year pro played in 24 games this season, averaging 1.8 points and 3.4 rebounds. He signed with the Nets in July. The former All-Star has averaged 8.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in 530 NBA games with Charlotte, Milwaukee, Portland and New Jersey.

Blazers halt 5-game skid, top Sonics (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward Travis Outlaw, left, shoots over Seattle Supersonics forward Jeff Green during NBA second half basketball action in Portland, Ore., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008.  Outlaw scored 19 points as the Blazers beat the Supersonics 92-88.

Brandon Roy and the Trail Blazers found a way to fix their five-game losing streak: play the Seattle SuperSonics. Roy had 19 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, and Portland ended its skid with a 92-88 win over Seattle on Thursday night.




Changing of guards: Blazers get Nuggets' Wafer
The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired guard Von Wafer from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guard Taurean Green.

Pistons, Raptors swap Dixon for Brezec (AP)
The Toronto Raptors acquired center Primoz Brezec and cash from the Detroit Pistons on Thursday for guard Juan Dixon. Dixon was averaging 4.3 points and 1.8 assists in 36 games with Toronto this season, his second with the Raptors. Dixon joined Toronto from Portland last year in a trade deadline deal that sent swingman Fred Jones to the Trail Blazers.

Kings extend Blazers' losing streak to 5 (AP)

Sacramento Kings center Brad Miller, left, goes to the hoop against Portland Trail  Blazers forward Travis Outlaw during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008.

Ron Artest scored 24 points, Francisco Garcia added 23, and the Sacramento Kings snapped a three-game losing streak with a 105-94 victory Tuesday night over the Portland Trail Blazers. Travis Outlaw had 23 points for the flat Blazers, who lost their fifth straight. Sacramento was playing its first game without veteran Mike Bibby, who was traded over the weekend to the Atlanta Hawks for point guards...




Dirk leads Mavs past Kidd talk, Blazers (AP)

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts to a call during the first half of a basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, in Dallas. Dallas won 96-76.

Devean George skipped pregame shooting Wednesday night because he was talking to his agent about whether to accept a trade that would've brought Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs probably wish he'd taken the game off to think about it some more. George nixed the deal, then went 0-for-11, failing to score a point in 33 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers.




Mavs' Howard has bruised back, questionable
Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard has a bruised lower back and is questionable for Wednesday's game against Portland. Howard, who is averaging a career-best 20.3 points a game, was hurt early in the fourth quarter of Monday night's 84-76 loss at Philadelphia. He hit the floor hard after getting bumped by a 76ers player on a rebound. An MRI on Tuesday confirmed Howard only has a bruise. If Howard isn't available Wednesday, the Mavericks could be without three starters and a key reserve.

Mavs forward Howard questionable with sore back
Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard has a bruised lower back and is questionable for Wednesday's game against Portland.

Mavericks F Howard has back injury (AP)
Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard has a bruised lower back and is questionable for Wednesday's game against Portland. Howard, who is averaging a career-best 20.3 points a game, was hurt early in the fourth quarter of Monday night's 84-76 loss at Philadelphia. He hit the floor hard after getting bumped by a 76ers player on a rebound.

Alston, Rockets pick up seventh straight (AP)

Houston Rockets' Rafer Alston (12) blocks a shot by Portland Trail Blazers' Jarrett Jack (1) during the second half of a basketball game Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 in Houston. Houston Won 95-83.

The Houston Rockets are riding their longest winning streak in three years -- and that's what it's taken to get them into playoff contention. Yao Ming had 25 points and seven rebounds as the Rockets beat the Trail Blazers 95-83 for their seventh straight win. Rafer Alston scored 13 of his 17 points in the third quarter, when the Rockets began to stretch their lead over the team right behind them in...




Granger's 29 lift Pacers over Blazers (AP)

Indiana Pacers forward  Mike Dunleavy, right, puts up a shot against Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla  during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008.

Just like that, the Indiana Pacers are talking about carrying momentum into the All-Star break. The Pacers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 101-93 on Saturday night for their second straight victory. The small win streak is important because Indiana had lost seven in a row before beating New York on Wednesday.




Trail Blazers G Roy out vs. Pacers (AP)
Brandon Roy missed the Portland Trail Blazers' game against Indiana on Saturday night after a death in his family. Roy, who left the team after scoring 28 points in the Blazers' win over Chicago on Wednesday night, also missed Friday's game at Detroit. An All-Star selection, Roy leads the Trail Blazers in scoring, assists and steals.

Billups pushes Pistons' win streak to 7 (AP)

Detroit Pistons forward Amir Johnson (25) is fouled by Portland Trail Blazers center Channing Frye (44) in the second half of a basketball game Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich. Johnson scored a season-high 10 points in the Pistons 91-82 win.

Chauncey Billups looked like he was gearing up for a big night. Instead, he decided to enjoy the unusual role of cheerleader. Billups took advantage of Brandon Roy's absence to score 17 points in the first quarter, then watched Detroit's young reserves finish off the Pistons' seventh straight victory, 91-82 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.




Blazers' Roy misses game due to death in family
Brandon Roy missed the Portland Trail Blazers' game against Detroit on Friday night after a death in his family.

Bulls waive F Khryapa, settle on deal (AP)
The Chicago Bulls waived forward Viktor Khryapa on Thursday and reached a settlement on the remainder of his contract. The 6-foot-9 Khryapa averaged 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in nine games this season. He played 33 games with Chicago last season. He was picked by the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the 2004 draft and his rights were traded to Portland for Eddie Gill.

Iverson's OT buzzer-beater lifts Nuggets (AP)

Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson, left, celebrates with teammates Yakhouba Diawara, right, and Von Wafer after scoring the winning basket to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in overtime of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Monday, Feb. 4, 2008.  Iverson scored 25 points and the winning basket as Denver beat Portland 105-103 in overtime.

Allen Iverson was quiet early, then reminded the Portland Trail Blazers why he's an All-Star. Iverson scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half, including a game-winning fade-away with less than a second left in overtime, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 105-103 on Monday night.




Roy lifts Blazers over Knicks in OT (AP)

New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson, right, shoots as Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy defends during NBA first half basketball action in Portland, Ore., Friday, Feb. 1, 2008.

Brandon Roy had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists a night after being picked for his first All-Star game, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the New York Knicks 94-88 in overtime Friday night. It was Roy's first career triple-double. Steve Blake added 18 points and LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points and eight rebounds for Portland, which is 19-5 at the Rose Garden this season.




Cavs win with James back in lineup (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers' Zydrunas Ilgauskas, (11) from Lithuania, dives for a loose ball against Los Angeles Clippers' Josh Powell (21) in the first quarter, in an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, in Cleveland.

LeBron James scored 28 points after missing a game with a sprained right ankle, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 98-84 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night. James missed Cleveland's 101-95 loss in Seattle on Thursday after injuring the ankle the previous night against Portland.




League's leading scorer back in action
LeBron James returned to the Cavaliers' lineup Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers after missing a game because of a sprained right ankle. James missed Cleveland's 101-95 loss in Seattle on Thursday night after injuring the ankle the previous night against Portland. James, the NBA's leading scorer at 30.1 points per game, went through a hard workout on the court before the game Saturday. The Cavaliers announced he would start about 45 minutes before gametime.

LeBron (ankle) questionable for Seattle game
LeBron James is questionable for the Cavaliers' game Thursday night against the Seattle SuperSonics, after spraining his ankle in the second quarter of a win over Portland. A team spokeswoman said James, the NBA's leading scorer at 30.1 points per game, would be examined Thursday morning. He hurt the ankle with 23.3 seconds left before halftime Wednesday night, but still played 44 minutes.

LeBron questionable for Thursday game vs. Sonics
LeBron James is questionable for the Cavaliers' game Thursday night against the Seattle SuperSonics, after spraining his ankle in the second quarter of a win over Portland.

Cavs beat Blazers on LeBron's late layup (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers' Drew Gooden (90) battle for a rebound with Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla (10) in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008, at the Rose Garden, in Portland, Ore. .

LeBron James' reverse layup with less than a second left gave Cleveland an 84-83 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, the Cavaliers' fifth straight win on the road. Portland led by as many as 14 points in the second half, but the Cavaliers closed in as time ran down. James, who had 37 points and 14 rebounds, hit three consecutive 3-pointers to tie it 81 with 2:26 left.




Roy leading Blazers' turnaround season (AP)
Some call him Roy Wonder. The Trail Blazers broadcast crew calls him The Natural. Portland guard Brandon Roy is at the crux of a resurgent team that few expected much from this season. The Blazers finished last season just 32-50, and although they beat the odds and landed top draft pick Greg Oden, he was lost to knee surgery before his rookie season started.

Blazers rally from 18 down, beat Hawks (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, middle, scores a basket, to tie the game, between the Atlanta Hawks' Josh Smith, left, and Joe Johnson, right, late in the fourth quarter during NBA basketball game action in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008.  Roy led the Blazers with 24 points to beat the Hawks, 94-93.

Brandon Roy scored 24 points, including the go-ahead free throw with 2.3 seconds left, and the Portland Trail Blazers erased a 19-point deficit to beat the Atlanta Hawks 94-93 on Sunday. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Portland, which improved its record at the Rose Garden to 18-4. The Blazers pulled within 91-87 with 2:24 left on Roy's left-handed layup and free throw.




Rockets end Blazers' home streak at 12 (AP)

Portland Trail Blazer guard Brandon Roy, right, shoots over Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier during NBA second half basketball action in Portland, Ore., Friday, Jan. 25, 2008.  Roy led the Blazers in scoring with 23 points but the Blazers lost to the Rockets 89-79.

Led by newest member Tracy McGrady, Houston's reserves carried the Rockets to victory. McGrady had 15 points, Carl Landry added 12 points and eight rebounds and the Rockets stopped the Portland Trail Blazers' home-winning streak with an 89-79 win Friday night. "It's a great tribute to our group ... I think we've found ourselves." McGrady said.




Courtside Seat: Blaze of glory
Our Jamey Eisenberg profiles the upstart Portland Trail Blazers and the key contributors who are making a big splash in Fantasy.



Hornets win season-best sixth straight (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy (7) puts his shoulder into New Orleans Hornets' Morris Peterson (9) as he tries to drive to the basket in the first half of their NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008.

Jannero Pargo scored a season-high 24 points in 24 minutes, and the New Orleans Hornets extended their season-best winning streak to six games with a 96-81 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. Pargo's 10-of-18 shooting, five assists and energy coming off the bench helped the Hornets overcome an early 12-point deficit and surge into the lead for good in the second quarter.




Hawks suspend C Pachulia for 1 game (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks suspended backup center Zaza Pachulia for Wednesday's game at Denver for conduct detrimental to the team. General manager Billy Knight announced the suspension Tuesday, but team did not describe the nature of his transgression. Pachulia, however, had a run-in with coach Mike Woodson during Monday's 111-109 overtime loss to Portland at Philips Arena.

Blazers win on Outlaw's hoop late in OT (AP)

The Atlanta Hawks' Tyronn Lue, left, goes up for a shot as Portland Trail Blazers' Steve Blake (2) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, in Atlanta, Ga.

Travis Outlaw sank a long jumper with one second left in overtime to lift the Portland Trail Blazers over the Atlanta Hawks 111-109 Monday. Guarded by Josh Smith, Outlaw held the ball outside the 3-point line until under 5 seconds remained. Then Outlaw took a couple of dribbles inside the circle before pulling up and making the jumper.




Hawks' Johnson to sit for hard foul on Calderon
Atlanta Hawks starting point guard Anthony Johnson was suspended for Monday's game against Portland without pay for committing a flagrant foul against Toronto's Jose Calderon. Johnson was assessed the flagrant foul and ejected for hitting Calderon's head with his forearm in the second quarter of the Raptors' 89-78 win Friday. Besides the suspension, Johnson was assessed a flagrant foul, penalty two, NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson said in a press release Sunday.

Hawks PG Johnson suspended for flagrant foul
Hawks starting point guard Anthony Johnson was suspended for Monday's game against Portland without pay for committing a flagrant foul against Toronto's Jose Calderon.

Hawks' Anthony Johnson suspended 1 game (AP)
Atlanta Hawks starting point guard Anthony Johnson was suspended for Monday's game against Portland without pay for committing a flagrant foul against Toronto's Jose Calderon. Johnson was assessed the flagrant foul and ejected for hitting Calderon's head with his forearm in the second quarter of the Raptors' 89-78 win Friday.

Magic build big lead, hold off Blazers (AP)

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, left, puts up a shot in front of Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008.

Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points, Rashard Lewis added 16, and the Orlando Magic held off a late surge to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 101-94 Saturday night. Dwight Howard posted his league-leading 37th double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds for Orlando. Maurice Evans added a season-high 15 points and reserve Keith Bogans had 13.




Blazers hand Heat 12th straight loss (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Travis Outlaw (25) prepares to shoot as Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem defends during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Miami, Friday, Jan. 18, 2008.

Dwyane Wade scored 37 points, and that still wasn't enough for the hapless Miami Heat. Brandon Roy led a fourth-quarter comeback Friday night and the Portland Trail Blazers won 98-91 to extend the Heat's losing streak to 12 games, which matches the third-longest in franchise history. Roy finished with 24 points to help the Trail Blazers win for the ninth time after trailing at the start of the...




Allen's 35 lift Celtics over Blazers (AP)

Boston Celtics forwards Kevin Garnett (5) Paul Pierce (34) walk toward the bench during a timeout as the Celtics trail the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2008.

Ray Allen scored a season-high 35 points, Kevin Garnett had 26 and the Boston Celtics rebounded from their first consecutive losses of the season with a 100-90 win over Portland on Wednesday night. The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics, who had lost three of their last four games and two straight at home, also got 12 points from Paul Pierce and 10 from Eddie House.




Blazers bounce back, roll by Nets 99-73 (AP)

New Jersey Nets' Vince Carter (15) runs into Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy (7) as he puts up a shot during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 in East Rutherford, N.J.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to their 18th win in the last 20 games with a 99-73 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday. Portland never trailed and got contributions from up and down the lineup. Brandon Roy scored 16 points, Jarrett Jack had 15, Travis Outlaw 13 and James Jones 10.




Raptors cool off Blazers, win in 2OT (AP)

Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh, top, blocks a shot by Portland Trail Blazers guard Jarrett Jack (1) during first-half NBA basketball action in Toronto, Ontario, on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008.

Chris Bosh had 38 points and 14 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors beat Portland 116-109 in double overtime Sunday to hand the Trail Blazers their second loss in 19 games. Bosh, who played 55 minutes, scored six points in the second overtime to lead Toronto to its third straight victory. Brandon Roy had a career-high 33 points and 10 assists for Portland, and made a 3-pointer with 2 seconds left in...




Trail Blazers win 12th straight at home (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy (7) defends as Golden State Warriors' Baron Davis (5) drives to the basket in the first quarter of their NBA basketball, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.

Steve Blake had a season-high 24 points before leaving the game with a left calf injury and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Golden State Warriors 109-91 Wednesday night. The Trail Blazers have won 17 of their last 18 games, after opening the season 5-12. Portland has won 12 straight games at home, and is 17-3 overall at the Rose Garden.




Blazers' Roy helped off court with injur (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy briefly left Wednesday night's game against the Golden State Warriors after he appeared to injure his right knee. Roy, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, crumpled to the court after he collided with Golden State's Al Harrington in the third quarter. He was helped off by a pair of Portland trainers.

Webster's 24 in 3rd quarter lift Blazers (AP)

Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, right, pulls in a rebound against Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla during first half NBA basketball action in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008.AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Martell Webster had a career-high 26 points, 24 in the third quarter alone, and the Portland Trail Blazers got their revenge against Utah by beating the Jazz 103-89 on Saturday night. Earlier this week, the Jazz snapped a 13-game Portland winning streak with a 111-101 victory in Salt Lake City. The Blazers, who led by as many as 20 points, have won three straight since the streak-stopping loss.




Kirilenko out of lineup due to back pain
Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko did not travel with the team for Saturday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of lower back inflammation. Utah coach Jerry Sloan gave no timetable for Kirilenko's return. "For what we know, the tests have been OK, so we'll just have to go from there," Sloan said. Kirilenko is averaging 11.5 points, six rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Jazz this season.

Blazers outlast Bulls 115-109 in 2OT (AP)

Chicago Bulls interim head coach Jim Boylan, right, talks to Adrian Griffin during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Chicago, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008. The Trail Blazers won 115-109.

Brandon Roy was hurting. He'd fallen on his tailbone and was so sore his mobility during two tiring overtimes was limited. He also had a cut under his eye. "I took a couple of bangs here and there and just fought through it," Roy said. And so did the Portland Trail Blazers, the NBA's hottest team. Roy's teammate Jarrett Jack drove for a go-ahead basket and converted a three-point play with 19 seconds...




Blazers end road woes, win at Minnesota (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Frye, left, grabs the rebound, beating Minnesota Timberwolves' Ryan Gomes for possession in first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008 in Minneapolis.

The Portland Trail Blazers found a cure to what ails them on the road -- a trip to Minnesota. After their 13-game winning streak was snapped at Utah, Brandon Roy scored 24 points to help the young Blazers rebound with a 90-79 victory over the woeful Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Portland restored its dominance in Rip City in December, going 10-0 at the Rose Garden to improve to 15-3 at home this...




Jazz end Blazers' 13-game winning streak (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) shoots against Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer (5) during the fourth quarter of the NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Salt Lake City. Aldridge finished the night with 36 points for the game high. The Jazz beat the Blazers 111-101.

The Portland Trail Blazers had to settle for a near-perfect December. The Blazers' 13-game winning streak ended Monday night with a 111-101 loss to the Utah Jazz, Portland's first defeat since Dec. 2. "It was a great month for us. We lost the first game of the month and the last game of the month. Any time you do that, I think that's a sign of a young team maturing," said Brandon Roy, who scored 17...




Blazers rout 76ers for 13th straight win (AP)

Philadelphia 76ers head basketball coach Maurice Cheeks, left, complains about a call to referee Derek Richardson during NBA second half basketball action against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore.,  Sunday, Dec. 30,  2007.  Cheeks was called for a technical and the 76ers went on to lose to the Blazers 97-72.

While Brandon Roy is Portland's top scorer, the Trail Blazers look to Travis Outlaw in the fourth quarter. Outlaw, a reserve, was 1-for-7 from the floor for the first three quarters, but took over in the fourth as the Blazers went on a 21-0 run to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 97-72 on Sunday for their league-leading 13th straight win.




Roy leads Blazers to 12th straight win (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, left, drives to the hoop against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Craig Smith during NBA second half basketball action in Portland, Ore.,  Friday, Dec. 28,  2007.  Aldridge scored 21 points and had eight rebounds as the Blazers beat the Timberwolves 109-98.

Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan was being cautious, saving guard Brandon Roy for when the team needed him. With two fouls, Roy sat the entire second quarter Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Then he went on to steer the Blazers to a 109-98 victory for Portland's league-leading 12th consecutive win.




Surging Blazers looking at division race (AP)
Not all that long ago, many Trail Blazer fans were ready to write off this season. After all, No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden was gone, and maybe it was better to look down the road when the 7-footer returned from surgery. Then came the streak. Portland has won 12 straight games, matching a streak from the 2001-02 season.

Blazers push streak to 11, top Sonics (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, right, hugs Seattle SuperSonics guard Kevin Durant after their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007.  Roy and Durant led their teams with 17 and 23 points respectively as the Blazers beat the Sonics 89-79.

After the Portland Trail Blazers won their 11th straight game, normally stoic owner Paul Allen looked directly at a camera and jubilantly held up one finger on each hand to signify the streak. That's what winning is doing for the surprising Blazers. "We're going out there with all the confidence in the world, and a sense of urgency at the same time," forward Martell Webster said.




Blazers win 10th straight, edge Nuggets (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, right, scores against Denver Nuggets center Jelani McCoy during second half NBA basketball action in Portland, Ore. on Friday, Dec. 21, 2007.  Aldridge scored 18 points as the Blazers beat the Nuggets 99-96 for their tenth win in a row.

The Portland Trail Blazers were expected to have another rebuilding year after losing their future franchise player to injury before the season even started. Instead, they have won 10 straight -- the longest winning streak in the NBA this season. Martell Webster scored 19 points while Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge each added 18 in Portland's 99-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday...




Surprising Blazers on 9-game win streak (AP)
When top draft pick Greg Oden was lost for the season because of knee surgery, many wrote off the Portland Trail Blazers. Now, the NBA's youngest team is proving it can do fine without him. The Blazers have won nine straight, the longest current winning streak in the NBA after the Boston Celtics lost at home to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

Roy leads Blazers to ninth straight win (AP)

Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon, right,  from Spain, charges down court ahead of Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge after stealing the ball during first half NBA basketball action in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007.

Brandon Roy had 25 points, nine assists and eight rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers won their ninth straight game, beating the Toronto Raptors 101-96 on Wednesday night. The Blazers, 11-3 at home and 14-12 overall, have won nine straight games for the first time since they won 12 in a row during the 2001-02 season.




Roy leads Blazers to eighth straight win (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla, right, is fouled from behind by New Orleans Hornets guard Rasual Butler during the first half of their NBA basketball action in Portland, Ore., Monday, Dec. 17, 2007.

Brandon Roy had 24 points and eight assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to their eighth straight victory, 88-76 over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. David West had 21 points and Tyson Chandler had 16 points and 19 rebounds for the Hornets, who lost for the fourth straight time at the Rose Garden.




Roy helps Blazers win seventh straight (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers are finding the road more enjoyable lately. Brandon Roy had 26 points and 11 assists and Channing Frye scored a season-high 20 points as Portland beat the Denver Nuggets 116-105 on Sunday night. It was the Blazers' seventh straight win overall, and third straight victory on the road, where they had lost their first nine games of the season.

Roy leads Blazers to sixth straight win (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers Guard Brandon Roy goes to the hoop against Utah Jazz's Carlos Boozer and Jarron Collins during second half NBA basketball action in Portland, Ore., Friday, Dec. 14, 2007.  Roy led the Blazers with 29 points to beat the Jazz 99-91.

If Brandon Roy is any indication, the Portland Trail Blazers won't have to worry about getting overconfident riding their six-game win streak. "In this league it's great to get a string of wins, but you have to stay consistent," Roy said. "We don't want to get too excited -- but we are thrilled." Roy scored 29 points, Travis Outlaw had 21 and Portland beat the Utah Jazz 99-91 on Friday night,...




Webster helps Blazers to rare road win (AP)
Martell Webster scored 25 points and the Portland Trail Blazers won on the road for just the second time this season, beating the Utah Jazz 97-89 on Tuesday night. Portland played without leading scorer LaMarcus Aldridge, who did not travel with the team because of a foot injury, but Webster came up with his season scoring high and Jarrett Jack added 16 points as the Blazers won their fourth...

Roy helps Blazers beat Bucks in OT (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Jarrett Jack, right, knocks the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks' Charlie Bell (42) in the second quarter of the NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, at the Rose Garden, in Portland, Ore.

Brandon Roy scored 26 points, including a go-ahead layup in overtime, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-113 on Sunday. LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points for the Blazers, who won their third straight. But it wasn't easy. The Bucks went up 112-107 in the extra period after Andrew Bogut made a pair of free throws.




Blazers hand Heat fourth straight loss (AP)

Miami Heat coach Pat Riley directs from the bench during second half NBA basketball action against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007.  The Heat lost to the Blazers 112-106.

After a talk with his coach, Brandon Roy believed he had straightened out his mental approach. After his second straight strong performance, he feels like he's straightened out his game, too. Roy scored 25 points, Travis Outlaw had 20 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat Miami 112-106 Thursday night, handing the Heat their fourth straight loss.




Outlaw gives Blazers first road win (AP)

Memphis Grizzlies' Juan Carlos Navarro (2) of Spain makes a pass around Portland Trail Blazers' teammates Travis Outlaw, left, and  Joel Przybilla, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, in Memphis, Tenn.

Travis Outlaw scored 21 points, including the winning 6-foot runner as the buzzer sounded, to give the Portland Trail Blazers their first road victory of the season, 106-105 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Officials reviewed the basket after the game not only to see if Outlaw got the shot off in time, but also whether the clock started properly when Portland inbounded the ball with 2.8...




Duncan unlikely to miss too much time
Tim Duncan most likely will miss no more than a few games after injuring his ankle and knee. The San Antonio Spurs star was hurt against Portland on Sunday, and the team said his MRI came back negative Monday. He has a sprained right ankle and will miss Wednesday's game against Dallas, Spurs spokesman Tom James said. The injury will be reassessed this week, and Duncan probably will return in the next few games. "It's not a big deal at all," James said.

MRI negative on Duncan's knee; he's out vs. Mavs
The San Antonio Spurs received some welcomed news Monday afternoon when an MRI exam came back negative on Tim Duncan's right knee and right ankle, both injured in the first half of Sunday's home victory over Portland.

Duncan banged up in Spurs' win (AP)

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, right, shoots over Portland Trail Blazers defender Martell Webster, left,  during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game  in San Antonio, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. Duncan left the game in the second quarter with a right knee contusion and a sprained right ankle.

Tony Parker scored 27 points and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers 100-79 Sunday, despite losing Tim Duncan in the second quarter with an injured knee and ankle. Brent Barry added 17 points for the Spurs in their third straight victory. Duncan bruised his right knee and sprained his right ankle in the first half and did not return to the game.




Duncan injures leg, leaves Spurs-Blazers game
San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan left the court Sunday in the second quarter of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers with an apparent knee injury.

Duncan bruises knee, sprains ankle (AP)
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan bruised his right knee and sprained his right ankle Sunday in the second quarter of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The team said all of Duncan's ligaments appeared stable but that he would have an MRI on Monday. He was not to return to Sunday's game and the team said he would miss some playing time.

Spurs' Duncan leaves game against Portland
San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan left the court Sunday in the second quarter of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers with an apparent knee injury. Duncan got caught up with Portland's James Jones and fell to the floor near the Spurs' basket with 7:40 left in the half. He was clutching his knee and had to be helped off the floor by two of his teammates. The Spurs were leading 34-28 at the time.

Howard leads Mavericks over Blazers (AP)

Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard, right, loses control of the ball as he drives against Portland Trailblazers center Joel Przybilla (10) during the first half of a NBA basketball game in Dallas, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007.

With top scorer Dirk Nowitzki facing double-teams, it was up to Josh Howard to pick up the slack on offense for the Dallas Mavericks. And he did just that. Howard had 23 points and a season-high 14 rebounds, helping the Mavericks overcome a subpar game from Nowitzki to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 91-80 on Friday night.




Dunleavy helps Pacers hold off Blazers (AP)

Indiana Pacers' Troy Murphy (3) works against Portland Trail Blazers' Joel Przybilla (10) during the first half of NBA basketball action in Portland, Ore., Wednesday Nov. 28, 2007.

Mike Dunleavy had 20 points and 11 rebounds and the Indiana Pacers held off the Portland Trail Blazers 95-89 on Wednesday night. Jeff Foster added 11 points and 17 rebounds for the Pacers, who won for the second straight night. Danny Granger had a team-high 23 points. Portland's Travis Outlaw narrowed it to 89-86 with a turnaround jumper with less than a minute left, but Jamaal Tinsley's...




Turkoglu, Lewis lift Magic by Blazers (AP)

Orlando Magic's Jameer Nelson (14) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers'  Brandon Roy during the first half of NBA basketball in Portland, Ore., Monday Nov. 26, 2007.

Hedo Turkoglu scored 21 points and Rashard Lewis had 20 and the Orlando Magic beat the Portland Trail Blazers 85-74 on Monday night to become the first NBA team to win 13 games this season. Dwight Howard, the Magic's leading scorer, was just 4-of-10 from the field and had nine points and 14 rebounds.




Kidd's triple-double helps Nets end skid (AP)

New Jersey's Jason Kidd (5) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge during the first half of NBA basketball in Portland, Ore., Wednesday Nov. 21, 2007. The Nets beat the Trail Blazers 106-101.

While Vince Carter's return boosted the New Jersey Nets, it was Jason Kidd's leadership that got them a victory. Kidd had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists, and the Nets snapped a six-game losing streak with a 106-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. Richard Jefferson scored 30 points for the Nets, who welcomed back Carter after he missed five games with a sprained ankle.




Brezec questionable with swollen eye
Charlotte center Primoz Brezec is questionable for Monday's game against Portland because he needed four stitches near his left eye after colliding with an assistant coach in practice. The 7-foot-1 Brezec and Paul Mokeski bumped heads while working on a drill Sunday, the team said. His eye was nearly swollen shut during Monday's shootaround. Coach Sam Vincent said Ryan Hollins would start if Brezec can't play. Brezec, who started all nine games for Charlotte (5-4), is averaging 2.0 points, 1.

Wallace helps Bobcats stay above .500 (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers' Jarrett Jack, right, drives to the basket as Charlotte Bobcats' Jeff McInnis defends during the second half of an NBA  basketball game Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 in Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte defeated Portland 101-92.

With a tough road schedule at the end of the season, the Charlotte Bobcats knew they had to get off to a quick start. Through 10 games, they're in pretty good shape. Behind Gerald Wallace's third straight game of 27 points and a stifling defense that shut down LaMarcus Aldridge, the Bobcats beat the Portland Trail Blazers 101-92 on Monday night.




Wizards guard Arenas sits out practice
Gilbert Arenas sat out practice Monday to rest his left knee, but the Washington Wizards expect him to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Arenas missed a game for the first time this season Saturday because his surgically repaired knee was feeling sore. The Wizards beat the Portland Trail Blazers 109-90 that night for their fourth consecutive victory after opening the season 0-5. Arenas has been getting some extra rest this season, missing practices to let his knee recover.

Jamison's 30 lift short-handed Wizards (AP)

Washington Wizards center Brendan Haywood celebrates his slam dunk against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second period of a NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, in Washington.

Antawn Jamison had 30 points to lead the short-handed Washington Wizards over the Portland Trail Blazers 109-90 on Saturday night. About an hour before the start of the game, the Wizards said that Gilbert Arenas, who had surgery on his left knee in April, would miss the game with soreness in his knee.




Jamison drops 30 as Wizards win again
Antawn Jamison had 30 points to lead the short-handed Washington Wizards over the Portland Trail Blazers 109-91 on Saturday night. About an hour before the start of the game, the Wizards said that Gilbert Arenas, who had surgery on his left knee in April, would miss the game with soreness in his knee. Jamison, who entered the night averaging 17.8 points, third on the team behind Caron Butler and Arenas, picked up for his injured teammate. Jamison's shooting wasn't spectacular.

Agent Zero sits vs. Portland (knee)
Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will miss Saturday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a sore left knee. Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said the entire team participated in a shootaround before the game. But Arenas' injury was disclosed when the lineups were announced. "We have just-in-case plans in place," Jordan said when asked before the game about Arenas. "We know it's a tough deal for him." Antonio Daniels will start in place of Arenas, who is averaging 22.

Wizards' Arenas sits out with sore knee (AP)
Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will miss Saturday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a sore left knee. Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said the entire team participated in a shootaround before the game. But Arenas' injury was disclosed when the lineups were announced. "We have just-in-case plans in place," Jordan said when asked before the game about Arenas.

Sixers stun Blazers with 25-point comback
Oh, what a comeback for the Philadelphia 76ers! Louis Williams scored all 19 points in the second half to rally the Sixers from a 25-point deficit, and Andre Iguodala gave them their first lead with a minute left in a simply stunning 92-88 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. The Sixers missed 15 straight shots spanning the first two quarters, scored only 27 points in the first half and played little like a team about to unleash a remarkable rally.

76ers rally from 25 down to beat Blazers (AP)

Philadelphia  76ers coach Maurice Cheeks watches his team play against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second  half of their basketball game Friday, Nov. 16,2007 in Philadelphia.

Oh, what a comeback for the Philadelphia 76ers! Louis Williams scored all 19 points in the second half to rally the Sixers from a 25-point deficit and Andre Iguodala gave them their first lead with a minute left in a simply stunning 92-88 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. The Sixers missed 15 straight shots spanning the first two quarters, scored only 27 points in the first half...




Oden quickly adding muscle to upper body
Greg Oden might be too pumped up for his eventual NBA debut. Oden is doing what most people with too much idle time tend to do: gain weight. Only Oden is bulking up instead of fattening up and the No. 1 overall pick may be too buff, too fast. "We don't want him to get bigger. That's going to come," Portland coach Nate McMillan said on Friday night. "It's very easy for him to put a lot of weight on having a year off. We've really got to be careful about the weight training with him.

Aldridge helps Blazers overcome Pistons (AP)

NBA Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler salutes the crowd at the Portland Trail Blazers halftime ceremony honoring the team that won the 1990 and 1992 Western Conference championships during their NBA basketball game with the Detroit Pistons Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, at the Rose Garden, in Portland, Ore.  The Trail Blazers defeated the Pistons 102-94.

Before the Portland Trail Blazers took the court against the Detroit Pistons, they got a visit from some of team's players of the past. Clyde Drexler and Jerome Kersey were among those who offered the young Blazers a bit of inspiration before they went out and beat the Pistons 102-94 Tuesday night. "I want that.




Nuggets win fourth straight, top Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla, left, blocks a shot by Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson, center, as Trail Blazers guard Jarrett jack, front, comes in to cover in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007.

Carmelo Anthony had 25 points and Allen Iverson had 20 as the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 110-93 Wednesday night. Kenyon Martin had a season-high 14 points and Marcus Camby had a game-high 13 rebounds for the Nuggets, who won their fourth straight after dropping their previous three.




Nowitzki returns to form against Philly
Jason Terry scored 12 of his 25 points during Dallas' big third-quarter run and the Mavericks rallied to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 99-84 on Tuesday night. Dirk Nowitzki added 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Mavericks, who bounced back from Saturday night's 91-82 road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Nowitzki also matched a career high with eight assists. Dallas shot 35 percent from the field and got a season-low 11 points from Nowitzki on Saturday night against Portland.

Roy helps Blazers end skid against Mavs
Brandon Roy scored a career-high 32 points and added seven assists and the Portland Trail Blazers ended a 13-game losing streak to the Dallas Mavericks with a 91-82 victory Saturday night. LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 points and eight rebounds for the Blazers (3-3), who extended their modest winning streak to three games after dropping the first three of the season. Josh Howard had 20 points for Dallas (4-2), which had won its last three.

Blazers end 13-game skid vs. Mavericks (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers center LaMarcus Aldridge, left, tries to drive to the basket against Dallas Mavericks forward Juwan Howard during first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007.

Brandon Roy scored a career-high 32 points and added seven assists and the Portland Trail Blazers ended a 13-game losing streak to the Dallas Mavericks with a 91-82 victory Saturday night. LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 points and eight rebounds for the Blazers (3-3), who extended their modest winning streak to three games after dropping the first three of the season.




Blazers earn first win, beat Hornets (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers Joel Przybilla and New Orleans Hornets Tyson Chandler (6) battle for a loose ball while Hornets Peja Stojakovic, of Serbia, (16) and Trail Blazer Channing Frye, left, look on in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, at the Rose Garden, in Portland, Ore.

Martell Webster and Jarrett Jack each scored 20 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers earned their first victory of the season by beating the previously undefeated New Orleans Hornets 93-90 on Wednesday night. David West had 34 points and 17 rebounds for the Hornets (4-1), who had matched last season's start for the best in franchise history with four straight wins.




Hornets' West displays quiet quality
David West has a way of putting up 20 points without much fanfare. Dime Smack took notice of his 34 points and 18 boards in Portland.

Yao's double-double lifts Rockets to 3-0 (AP)

Houston Rockets' Luis Scola (4), of Argentina, loses control of the ball under pressure from Portland Trail Blazers' Travis Outlaw (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in Houston.

Yao Ming had 21 points and 12 rebounds and Tracy McGrady added 20 points and six assists as the Houston Rockets improved to 3-0 for the first time since the 1996-97 season with an 89-80 win over Portland on Saturday night. Yao scored only eight points and McGrady only five the second half, but the Rockets stayed in control with their defense, forcing 18 turnovers and holding the Blazers to 41...




Gill has played for 4 NBA franchises
Eddie Gill, who has played for four NBA teams, was chosen by the Colorado 14ers on Thursday night with the first pick in the NBA Development League draft. Gill was among a number of the 13 players taken in the first round who spent time with NBA clubs during the preseason. The guard was with the New Jersey Nets, and also has played for Memphis, Portland and Indiana. Carlos Powell, who was in Golden State camp, went second to the Dakota Wizards.

Hornets make 11 3s, beat Blazers 113-93 (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy (7) looks to pass against the New Orleans Hornets    in the second half of their NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 2, 2007.  Roy was high scorer for the Trail Blazers with 23-points but Portland lost to New Orleans, 113-93.

More than a million residents have returned to the New Orleans metro area since Hurricane Katrina, and many of them are missing some high-powered, winning basketball being played by the NBA franchise that recently came back as well. Chris Paul scored 19 points and Peja Stojakovic added 18 as sharp-shooting New Orleans beat the Portland Trail Blazers 113-93 on Friday night for the Hornets' second...




Usual suspects lead way for Spurs
Tim Duncan had 24 points and 13 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs got their title defense off to a successful start with a 106-97 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. Tony Parker added 19 points for the Spurs and Manu Ginobili had 16 points and eight assists. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Trail Blazers with 27 points. Martell Webster added 21 and Joel Przybilla contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds for Portland.

Duncan, champion Spurs get rings and win (AP)

San Antonio Spurs forward Bruce Bowen, left, gets a hand on the ball as Portland Trail Blazers center Jarrett Jack, center, tries to shoot during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007. Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla is at right.

Tim Duncan had 24 points and 13 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs got their title defense off to a successful start with a 106-97 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. Tony Parker added 19 points for the Spurs and Manu Ginobili had 16 points and eight assists. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Trail Blazers with 27 points.




Spurs collect championship rings
A lone spotlight beamed down on the center of the court at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, highlighting in all its golden glory the San Antonio Spurs' latest championship trophy. "San Antonio: Where dynasties happen," NBA commissioner David Stern said. And with that the Spurs held the final celebration of their fourth title in nine seasons before getting started on defending it in the season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Oden-less Blazers top Durant-less Sonics (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake, left, defends on Seattle SuperSonics guard Delonte West during first half of their NBA preseason game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007.

It was supposed to be Portland's first look at Kevin Durant, the player the Trail Blazers didn't take in the draft in favor of Greg Oden. Instead, it was a routine, albeit close, exhibition game. Durant, the No. 2 pick in the draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, sprained his ankle on Tuesday and didn't play Wednesday when the Blazers beat the Sonics 109-107.




Sonics' Durant leaves arena on crutches
Kevin Durant, the second overall choice in the NBA draft, left the arena using crutches and was wearing a soft boot after spraining his left ankle late in the SuperSonics' exhibition game loss to Golden State on Tuesday night. A Sonics spokesman said in an e-mail late Tuesday that Durant will not travel to Portland for Wednesday night's game or to the team's preseason finale against Phoenix in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday.

Sixers waive Derrick Byars
Philadelphia 76ers President Billy King announced today that the team has waived guard/forward Derrick Byars. Byars, a rookie from Vanderbilt, averaged 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in one preseason appearance with the Sixers. Originally selected by Portland with the 42nd overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, Byars was acquired by Philadelphia in a draft night [...]

Randolph finally settling in with Knicks (AP)

New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas, center, works with players Zach Randolph, right, and Mardy Collins during basketball practice at training camp on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C.

Zach Randolph was surprised to hear the draft-night news that he was being traded to the New York Knicks from Portland, where he had spent his entire six-year NBA career. Now the forward is settling into his first training camp with New York and loving every minute. His only concern is his grandmother, who is seriously ill with kidney disease in Indiana.




Nuggets sign Stacey Augmon
The Denver Nuggets have signed F Stacey Augmon, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today. Augmon, 6-8, 213, has played 15 NBA seasons with Atlanta, Detroit, Portland, Charlotte/New Orleans and Orlando. Most recently, he averaged 2.0 ppg and 1.5 rpg in 36 games with Orlando during the 2005-06 season. He currently holds career [...]

Portland’s Rose Garden goes high-tech
Some big changes are in store for fans attending Portland Trail Blazers games this season at the Rose Garden. The Rose Garden is in the midst of three-year, $13 million capital improvements project, that when complete, will vastly improve the patron experience. Highlighting the improvements is a new video scoreboard at the Rose Garden that will be [...]

Clippers sign Dan Dickau
InsideHoops.com NewsWire: The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agent guard Dan Dickau. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released. Dickau was waived by the New York Knicks on Oct. 1 after joining the team in a trade from Portland on June 28. Dickau played in 50 games last season for the Trail [...]

McKie, ex-NBA 6th man, joins 76ers staff
Aaron McKie, the NBA's sixth man of the year when Philadelphia went to the NBA Finals, rejoined the 76ers as an assistant coach on Wednesday. McKie averaged 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds over a 13-year career with Portland, Detroit, the Sixers and the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 11.6 points for the 76ers and was chosen the league's top sixth man in 2001, when they lost to the Lakers in the finals.

McKie rejoins 76ers as assistant coach (AP)
Aaron McKie, the NBA's sixth man of the year when Philadelphia went to the NBA Finals, rejoined the 76ers as an assistant coach on Wednesday. McKie averaged 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds over a 13-year career with Portland, Detroit, the Sixers and the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 11.6 points for the 76ers and was chosen the league's top sixth man in 2001, when they lost to the Lakers in the...

Knicks cut Dickau after reaching buyout (AP)
The New York Knicks waived Dan Dickau on Tuesday after completing a buyout of the veteran point guard's contract. The Knicks acquired Dickau in the draft-night trade that also sent Zach Randolph and Fred Jones from Portland to New York. But with the Knicks already having a number of guard options, agent Mark Bartelstein said the team wasn't a great situation for his client.

Oden on crutches, talks about surgery (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden, who underwent surgery on his right knee, smiles during his news conference Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007, in Tualatin, Ore.

Top NBA draft pick Greg Oden doesn't remember much from immediately after knee surgery. He was with his mother at home when he found out how serious it was. "I kinda looked at my mom and said, 'I'm out for the season? You kidding me?' " he said. Oden will be on crutches for six more weeks. Full recovery likely will take six to 12 months.