The Trail Blazers play their next five games on the road, beginning with a four-game, six-day trip that includes stops at Orlando, Miami, New Orleans and Minnesota.
"It's going to be important to get the trip off to a good start," Portland coach Nate McMillan said. "We'd like to play well and get a victory at Orlando if possible." Portland has not had good luck against Orlando of late. The Magic swept the Blazers last season and have won four straight and six of the last seven meetings between the teams.
Hedo Turkoglu (20.5 points, 5.0 assists) played well in both games against Portland last season. Dwight Howard averaged only 9.5 points but collected an average of 14.0 points and 3.5 blocks in the two games.
"He's so quick and athletic, he's a tough guy to guard," Portland center Joel Przybilla said.
TRAIL BLAZERS 97, TIMBERWOLVES 93: Portland flirted with disaster before finally putting away Minnesota in the closing seconds and running its home record to 3-0.
"We're doing all we can to protect the home court," said guard Brandon Roy, who had 24 points and nine assists and sank a turnaround jumper with 31.9 seconds left to put Portland ahead for good. "Every (home) game so far has come down to the wire."
Minnesota led by 12 points at halftime and was still in it until the closing seconds. The home court might have been the difference for the Blazers.
"Not saying we're not comfortable on the road, but we're a lot more comfortable here," forward Channing Frye said. "The crowd is always supporting us. Now we have to be professionals and go out on the road and get some wins."
