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Roy, Blazers aim for eighth consecutive win

Dec 17, 2007 - 3:18 PM New Orleans (15-9) at Portland (12-12) 10:00 pm EST

PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) - Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers are red hot and the New Orleans Hornets will have a tough time slowing them down on Monday.

Last time out, Roy had 26 points and 11 assists as the Blazers pushed their winning streak to a season-high seven games with Sunday's 116-105 victory at Denver.

"We have a good rhythm now and we are playing good basketball on both ends of the court," Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. "Both of our units have been playing really well."

Portland is seeking its first eight-game winning streak since the 2002-03 squad won eight in a row from December 14-30.

After an up-and-down start to the season, Roy has been brilliant in December. The reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 21.6 points, 6.5 assists and 5.3 rebounds in eight games this month.

Portland hopes to have the services of second-year big man LaMarcus Aldridge back soon after missing the last four games with plantar fasciitis.

New Orleans put an end to its two-game skid with Saturday's 101-98 triumph over the Phoenix Suns behind Chris Paul's 12th double-double of the season.

The 22-year-old Paul, who captured Rookie of the Year honors the season before Roy, has scored 20 or more points in eight of his last nine games.

In their first meeting, Paul poured in 19 points to lead six others in double figures as the Hornets walked away with a convincing 113-93 victory.