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Blazers, Celtics meet in battle of hottest teams in NBA

Dec 5, 2008 - 11:25 AM Portland (14-6) at Boston (18-2) 8:00 p.m. EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the most surprising teams of the young season. No squad, however, is sneaking up on the Boston Celtics.

The Trail Blazers and Celtics both put long win streaks on the line Friday when the teams meet on Friday.

After finishing 10th in the Western Conference last season, many prognosticators predicted Portland to advance to the playoffs this season, particularly with the return/debut of Greg Oden, the first overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft.

The Blazers have not disappointed, surging into second place in the Western Conference on the strength of a six-game win streak and a 7-0 record at home.

Boston, though, is the defending champion and has lived up to that title this campaign. The Celtics own the best record in the NBA and are riding a 10-game win streak.

Boston coasted to another easy victory on Tuesday as Rajon Rondo recorded the team's first triple-double in two years en route to a 114-96 triumph over the Indiana Pacers.

Rondo earned his first triple-double with a career-high 17 assists, 16 points and 13 rebounds, becoming the first member of the Celtics to accomplish the feat since Ryan Gomes did it on November 8, 2006, against the Charlotte Bobcats.