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Maggette, Clippers aim to continue playoff push

Apr 13, 2007 - 10:58 PM Portland (31-47) at LA Clippers (38-40) 10:30 pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Clippers continue their fight for the Western Conference's final playoff spot Friday when they host the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Clippers are tied with the Golden State Warriors (38-40) for the final postseason spot, one game ahead of the New Orleans Hornets.

"We don't want to go home early. Our fans deserve better, we want to play hard for them and for us," Clippers forward Elton Brand said. "We want to get into the postseason. We're working hard at it."

Corey Maggette scored 39 points as the Clippers posted a 118-110 victory over the Lakers on Thursday.

The win also saw the return of veteran Sam Cassell, who had missed the last five games with nagging back spasms. He netted eight of his 12 points in the fourth quarter.

The Clippers have won seven straight games at the Staples Center against the Trail Blazers, including a 99-86 triumph in the last meeting on March 31.

Portland has lost three straight games, including a 99-95 setback against Houston on Wednesday. Blazers rookie Brandon Roy has scored in double figures in 18 straight games.