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Warriors try to maintain playoff standing

Mar 27, 2008 - 1:36 PM Portland (37-34) at Golden State (43-27) 10:30 pm EDT

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) - The Golden State Warriors know that this is not the time to lose back-to-back games for the first time in nearly four months.

The Warriors try to avoid a second consecutive loss on Thursday when they host the Portland Trail Blazers.

Golden State (43-27) saw its lead for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference shrink to just one-half game over the Denver Nuggets (43-28) on Monday after suffering a 123-119 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, the Warriors have not lost two straight games since early January, when they endured back-to-back losses against the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Hornets.

The Trail Blazers continued their strong play on Tuesday, picking up their fourth win in the last six games with a 102-82 drubbing against the Washington Wizards. Martell Webster scored 23 points and Joel Przybilla grabbed 17 rebounds to lead Portland.

However, leading scorer Brandon Roy suffered a groin injury and missed the entire second half.

Portland coach Nate McMillan did not sound optimistic, saying groin injuries can take a month to heal. If that is the case, Roy's season would be over as the Trail Blazers have only 10 games remaining.

While Portland likely will miss the playoffs, the Blazers are seeking their first winning season in five years.