NBA Preview from The Sports Network

New Jersey Nets (22-19) at Seattle SuperSonics (17-25), 10 p.m. ---------------------------------------------------------------

(Basketball News) - The New Jersey Nets hope to avoid their fourth straight loss this evening when they conclude a four-game road trip against the Seattle SuperSonics at KeyArena.

The Nets continued to struggle on their West Coast swing on Friday, as they were on the wrong end of an 88-83 decision to the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.

Richard Jefferson scored 23 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and added six assists, while Clifford Robinson added a season-high 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting for the Nets, who lost for the fourth time in their last five games.

Vince Carter sat out with a sore back and his offense was missed as both Jefferson and Jason Kidd logged over 45 minutes of playing time. Kidd ended with 18 points and eight assists.

Carter’s status for tonight will be a game-time decision.

New Jersey, which will host the ultra-hot Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, is 10-13 away from home this season.

Seattle, meanwhile, comes in on a losing note as well after falling to the Dallas Mavericks, 104-97, at home on Thursday.Rashard Lewis had 36 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Sonics, who lost for the fifth time in seven contests.

Ray Allen added 25 points, but the Sonics shot just 42.9 percent and blew a 17-point lead in the opening quarter.

The Sonics were without Vladimir Radmanovic (sprained right foot), Luke Ridnour (chest contusion), Danny Fortson (sore left knee), Vitaly Potapenko (strained lower back), and Rick Brunson (left foot injury).

Ridnour, though, should be able to return tonight, while the other four will remain sidelined.

Seattle, which will close a four-game homestand with visits from Portland and Golden State, has dropped three straight at home and is 9-12 in its arena this season.

The Nets topped the Sonics earlier in the season and has won four of six and five of the last nine meetings. New Jersey, though, has dropped five of six and 14 of 16 in Seattle.