Knicks 79 - 101 Trail Blazers
Final
  for this game

Blazers play host to slumping Knicks

Dec 28, 2014 - 3:50 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Portland Trail Blazers will resume a seven-game homestand Sunday versus the struggling New York Knicks.

The Blazers opened the residency with Friday's 114-93 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers and were led by Damian Lillard's 28 points. Wesley Matthews scored 25 points and buried 7-of-14 3-pointers, while Joel Freeland pulled down 17 rebounds.

"He came in and he played comfortable," Lillard said of Freeland. "He rebounded really well. We knew we were short-handed. We knew that it was going to be a different type of game. I thought we went out there and did what we needed to do."

Portland, which is 13-1 against the East this season and 19-2 when scoring 100 points, was without Robin Lopez and LaMarcus Aldridge, but managed to win for the seventh time in eight tries.

The Trail Blazers are 13-2 in Rip City and will also host the Raptors, Hawks, Lakers, Heat and Magic on the homestand.

Aldridge (upper respiratory illness) is doubtful for Sunday and is averaging 22.9 points and 10.6 rebounds this season.

New York opened a three-game western trek with Saturday's 135-129 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings.

Carmelo Anthony scored 36 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. added 19 and Cole Aldrich netted 18 points for the Knicks, losers in seven straight.

"Playing hard is really what I try to do," Aldrich said. "If you're going to play hard, most nights are going to be better than others."

The Knicks are 5-27 on the season and 2-14 on the road. They will close the western jaunt Wednesday against the Clippers.

Anthony is averaging 27.7 ppg in his last 10 games.

New York dropped a 103-99 decision to Portland at home on Dec. 7, as Aldridge recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds. Lillard had 20 points in that one for the Blazers, who have won five straight against the Knicks.






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