Playoff-hopeful Clippers host Portland

LA is tied with the Golden State Warriors for the eighth and final playoff berth in the West.

The Clippers open a two-game homestand this evening. On Thursday, Corey Maggette scored a career-high 39 points and Elton Brand netted 32 as the Clippers rallied from 17 points down to beat the cross-town rival Lakers, 118-110, at the Staples Center.

Brand also had 12 rebounds and seven assists, while Maggette grabbed eight boards and dished out nine assists for the Clippers, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

The Clippers are 24-14 as the host this season. They will play Mike Bibby and the Sacramento Kings on Sunday at the Staples Center.

Portland attempts to halt a three-game losing streak. On Wednesday, Tracy McGrady posted 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Houston Rockets to a 99-95 win over the Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.

Rookie Brandon Roy scored 20 points in the loss for Portland, which has dropped seven of its last nine games overall. Fred Jones scored 18 points, while Travis Outlaw netted 16 and Jamaal Magloire finished with 13 points and 10 boards for Portland.

Roy (left knee tendinitis/sore right knee) is questionable for tonight’s game. He is averaging 16.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 56 games this season.

The Trail Blazers are 14-25 on the road this season. They will host the SuperSonics on Saturday at KeyArena.

The Clippers are 2-1 against the Trail Blazers this season. Portland has lost seven straight after winning its last two at the Clippers.