Bobcats, Trail Blazers try to halt losing streaks

This is the second and final meeting of the campaign between the clubs. On February 9th, Zach Randolph posted 40 points and nine rebounds, as the Trail Blazers picked up a 108-100 overtime victory against Charlotte at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

The Bobcats are 1-1 at Portland. The Trail Blazers have won four of the five contests between the clubs.

Charlotte enters tonight’s game on a three-game losing streak. Kevin Martin scored 36 points to lead the Sacramento Kings over the Bobcats, 135-120, on Wednesday at ARCO Arena.

Gerald Wallace registered 31 points, six boards and nine assists in the loss to Sacramento for the Bobcats, who have lost seven of their last 11 games overall. Raymond Felton added 22 points, while Matt Carroll had 19 points in defeat.

Forward Emeka Okafor (strained left calf) is doubtful for tonight’s game. He has missed Charlotte’s last two contests. Okafor is averaging 14.9 points and a team-best 11.7 assists per game this season.

The Bobcats are 9-20 on the road this season. They will also visit Seattle, Utah and Phoenix on the current swing.

Portland tries to halt a two-game losing streak, as it opens a four-game homestand. On Monday, Rashard Lewis scored 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Seattle SuperSonics to a convincing 97-73 win over the Trail Blazers at KeyArena.

Travis Outlaw scored 14 points in the loss to Seattle for the Trail Blazers, while rookie LaMarcus Aldridge netted 12 for Portland, which has lost four of its last six games overall.

On the injury front for Portland, center Joel Przybilla (sore left knee) is doubtful for tonight’s game. He has missed two straight games.

The Trail Blazers are 13-15 at home this season. Portland will also host Sacramento, San Antonio and Golden State on the homestand.