Final
  for this game

Blazers resume road trip in New Orleans

Jan 16, 2012 - 3:44 PM (Sports Network) - Portland hopes to put the brakes on a three-game skid when it resumes a six-game road trip in the Big Easy today against the struggling Hornets.

The Trail Blazers fell to 0-2 on their trek in Houston on Friday when the backcourt of Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin combined for 61 points as the Rockets took down Portland, 107-105, in overtime.

Nicolas Batum netted 29 points on 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc with eight rebounds and four blocks for Portland, which is just 1-4 as the road team this season.

Center Marcus Camby -- who's averaging 8.7 rebounds per game -- missed the game due to a sprained left ankle. Without him in the lineup, the Rockets outrebounded the Blazers, 54-46.

"We missed nine free throws," said Blazers coach Nate McMillan. "When you have those opportunities, you have to convert those. You have to put points on the board."

Portland will finish its trip with visits to Atlanta, Toronto and Detroit.

Camby will likely miss tonight's contest also as the Blazers attempt to avoid losing four in a row for the first time since a six-game hiccup from Nov. 20- Dec. 3, 2010.

The Hornets, meanwhile, have also dropped three straight after a 108-99 setback in Memphis on Saturday. Jarrett Jack, a former Blazer, scored 23 points to lead New Orleans in that one, while reserves Jason Smith had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Greivis Vasquez scored 14.

The Hornets lost despite scoring a season-high 99 points. They fell to 3-9 on the season, including 1-9 in their last 10. NOLA has also dropped five straight in the Big Easy and are on the verge of losing six consecutive home games for the first time since Feb. 22-March, 18 2006.