Raptors 97 - 102 Trail Blazers
Final - OT
  for this game

Blazers face stiff challenge from visiting Raptors

Dec 30, 2014 - 3:09 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Portland Trail Blazers will face their first challenge on this seven-game homestand versus the Toronto Raptors.

After disposing of the lowly Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks in the first two games if this residency, the Blazers should have their boots strapped tight with the Raptors in town.

Portland has won three in a row and eight of its last nine games, including Sunday's 101-79 demolition of the Knicks at the Moda Center. Wesley Matthews scored 28 points, Nicolas Batum added 17 and Chris Kaman chipped in 13 off the bench for the Blazers, who made 46.9 percent from the field and dished out 25 assists.

"That's our thing. That's our game. We've had a long streak of 20-plus assists," said Matthews. "That's the kind of team that we are."

Damian Lillard had 11 points and six assists, while LaMarcus Aldridge missed the game with an illness. He is questionable Tuesday.

The Trail Blazers are 14-2 at home and will also host Atlanta, the Lakers, Miami and Orlando.

Toronto is 2-1 on a six-game road trip and recorded a 116-102 triumph in Denver on Sunday thanks to Kyle Lowry's 30 points and 11 assists.

Lou Williams chimed in with 31 points off the bench for the Raptors, winners in eight of their last nine games.

"Lou's defense was pretty good, too," said Raptors coach Dwane Casey.

Amir Johnson had 13 points for Toronto, which shot 48.9 percent from the floor and is 10-4 on the road. The Raptors will also visit Golden State and Phoenix on the trek.

Toronto is 11-4 without star guard DeMar DeRozan (groin) and 13-0 when holding the opposition under 100 points. Lowry has picked up the pace without DeRozan and is averaging 25.1 points on the road.

The Raptors have lost 10 of the last 11 games against the Blazers, and the two teams will meet again March 15 in Toronto. Portland has won six straight as the host against the Raptors.

Portland is 14-1 against the Eastern Conference, while Toronto has a 9-2 record against teams from the West.






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