Wizards try to work magic in Portland

The Wizards have dropped two straight and six of their last eight contests, including an 88-85 setback in Seattle on Sunday night.

The Wizards were led by Juan Dixon and Kwame Brown, who scored 17 apiece in defeat. Dixon posted 13 points in the fourth quarter for Washington, which posted just 12 points in each of the first two quarters for a franchise-low 24 first-half points

Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas, who finished with 15 points, was diagnosed with a lower abdominal strain after the game. He is doubtful for tonight’s contest.

The Trail Blazers are coming off Sunday’s 78-72 loss to Golden State in Oakland.

Zach Randolph netted 17 points and hauled in eight rebounds for the Blazers, who had a two-game win streak snapped and lost for the third time in five games.

Portland’s Bonzi Wells returned to the court after serving a two-game suspension and scored 13 points in 15 minutes. Wells was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. In addition, the club took away his title as co- captain. The penalties stem from Wells’ actions during the third quarter of Monday’s 105-98 loss at Dallas.

The Blazers are an impressive 7-1 at home this season, while the Wizards are just 2-5 as the visitors.

Portland has dominated the series in recent history, winning nine of the last 11 meetings.

The teams split the season two-game series last year with each team winning a game on the road. The Wizards’ 95-91 in Portland on March 25, 2003 ended an eight-game series’ losing streak for Washington.

The Wizards, who are 1-3 versus Western Conference teams this season, end their road swing on Wednesday night versus the LA Lakers.