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Surprising Trail Blazers, Hornets wrap up season series

Jan 23, 2008 - 3:05 PM Portland (25-16) at New Orleans (28-12) 8:00 pm EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Two of the most improved teams in the NBA collide Wednesday when the Portland Trail Blazers visit the New Orleans Hornets.

Last season, Portland finished tied for third in the Northwest Division, a total of 18 games under .500 and 19 games behind Utah. The Hornets also struggled in 2006-07, going 39-43 and finishing 28 games behind Dallas in the Southwest Division.

But this season has been a different story, as both the Blazers and the Hornets are first in their respective divisions.

Portland has won 20 of its last 24 games, including Monday's 111-109 overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Travis Outlaw scored 23 points and drilled the go-ahead jumper with one second remaining for the Blazers, who will wrap up a season-high seven-game road trip Wednesday.

New Orleans has won five consecutive games, including the first three of its current five-game homestand. The Hornets are 14-0 this season when guard Chris Paul and center Tyson Chandler reach double figures in two categories.

The Hornets cruised to a 106-92 victory here Monday over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Chandler scored 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds while Paul chipped in 16 points and 10 assists.