Spurs aim to pound Portland, again

San Antonio plays the third of a four-game road trip. On Monday, Manu Ginobili led five players in double figures with 16 points as the Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 88-74, at the Staples Center.

Beno Udrih added 14 points, Brent Barry netted 11 and Jacque Vaughn and Michael Finley both ended with 10 points in the victory for the Spurs, who won their ninth straight without the services of Tony Parker, who missed the contest with a left hip flexor.

All-Star forward Tim Duncan scored just nine points on 4-of-9 from the floor and pulled down 12 rebounds in the win for San Antonio.

Parker is doubtful for tonight’s contest. He is averaging 18.7 points and a team-best 5.5 assists per game. The 6-2 Parker has missed two straight contests.

The Spurs are 22-10 on the road this season. They are scheduled to visit the Sacramento Kings on Thursday at ARCO Arena.

Portland plays the third of a four-game homestand. On Saturday, Kevin Martin scored 33 points and Ron Artest netted 23 and pulled down nine rebounds to lift the Sacramento Kings to a 104-96 win over the Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.

Zach Randolph had 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who lost for the third time in four contests overall. Rookie Brandon Roy ended with 15 points and seven assists, while Martell Webster scored 14 and Jarrett Jack netted 13 in defeat.

The Trail Blazers are 14-16 at home this season. After Tuesday’s contest, Portland will not return to the court until March 11th when it hosts the Golden State Warriors.

This is the third and final meeting of the campaign between the squads. San Antonio won the two previous contests.

The Spurs have won seven in a row and 14 of the last 15 contests in the series. San Antonio has won three straight and seven of its last eight at Portland.