--C Joel Przybilla was limited to 9 1/2 minutes because of fouls, so the Blazers went small much of the way, with LaMarcus Aldridge or Channing Frye at center and Travis Outlaw at power forward. "We felt we could defend (Hedo) Turkoglu and Rashard (Lewis) with that lineup," coach Nate McMillan said. "The guys did a nice job defending the perimeter. The small lineup worked for us tonight."
--There is hope that Greg Oden, out since spraining his foot against the Lakers in the opener on Oct. 28, could return as early as Wednesday. Oden practiced with the team Sunday, and after Tuesday's practice in Miami, a determination of his availability will be made. "He did some running (Sunday), and he looked good," general manager Kevin Pritchard said. "His progress is good. The swelling is down. The pain is gone. He's getting closer."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "For the last couple of seasons, we've have another option besides Brandon (Roy) and LaMarcus (Aldridge) in Travis (Outlaw). Down the stretch, when the offense stalled, Travis was able to get us a couple of big buckets." -- Coach Nate McMillan
