If the Trail Blazers are to meet their goal of a winning season, Saturday's Charlotte game is essential to put in the victory column.
Portland (38-35) has a brutal April schedule loaded with playoff teams, so beating the Bobcats (26-45) at the Rose Garden would be an important step toward finishing better than .500. The Blazers will try to limit the opportunities for Charlotte's two scoring standouts, Jason Richardson (21.1 points per game) and Gerald Wallace (19.9), keys to the Bobcats' victory over the L.A. Lakers on Wednesday.
"Those two guys are very athletic," Portland coach Nate McMillan said. "We'll have to keep them at bay, or it's going to be a very difficult night."
WARRIORS 111, BLAZERS 95: Things blew up in the third quarter Thursday night for Portland, as the Warriors -- who didn't shoot a free throw in the first half -- shot 20 of them in a third period in which they outscored the visitors 40-20.
Portland led 26-12 and 30-19 in the first quarter and was still in front 52-51 at the half. But the Warriors dominated the second half in dropping the Blazers to 13-25 on the road this season.
It was a difficult situation for Portland, which will be without Brandon Roy (strained groin) for at least the next three games.
"We miss Brandon, but the reality is, we have to have guys step up and get the job done in his place," McMillan said. "We didn't get that (Thursday night)."
