The Trail Blazers were fortunate not to have to face one of the Western Conference's best front court players on Friday. They don't expect to be so lucky on Sunday.
An easy win over the Timberwolves was made easier due to Al Jefferson's absence after season-ending knee surgery, but Tim Duncan and his sore right leg are expected to be back on the floor for the Spurs on Sunday night. The Blazers will host San Antonio in an important conference matchup, and they hope that center Greg Oden will be healthy enough to return and help. If not, power forward LaMarcus Aldridge will have to handle Duncan himself, which doesn't bode well for the Blazers.
Then again, if their bench can play the way it has of late, the Blazers might have an opportunity not only to make a statement, but to start a full-fledged roll with Indiana and Northwest Division leading Denver next on the docket.
TRAIL BLAZERS 102, TIMBERWOLVES 82: Brandon Roy led the way with 19 points, but bench scoring by Rudy Fernandez (18), Travis Outlaw (15) and Sergio Rodriguez (12) made the difference in a romp over the fading Timberwolves. LaMarcus Aldridge had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
