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Blazers poised for surge

Dec 18, 2008 - 11:20 AM Phoenix (15-10) at Portland (16-10) 10:30 p.m. EST

PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) -- It was only a matter of time until Portland came back to earth. With six of their next seven games at home, the Trail Blazers could be on the launching pad yet again.

The Trail Blazers wrap up a three-game homestand on Thursday when they host the Phoenix Suns.

One of the most talked about teams coming into the season, Portland lived up to much of the hype in the early going, winning 14 of its first 20 games while posting a perfect 7-0 record at the Rose Garden.

However, the Blazers hit a roadblock, losing four out of five games following the fast start. That slump included a 109-108 setback to the Orlando Magic on December 9 - the team's first home loss this season.

Portland managed to end a three-game slide during its last game, claiming a 109-77 victory against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

With only two road contests coming before a four-game swing from January 12-17, the Blazers appear poised to regain some of their early season form.

Forging a win will not be easy for Portland against the Suns, who have won back-to-back games and four of their last five overall.

Shaquille O'Neal had 23 points and 12 rebounds and Amare Stoudemire added 21 and 14 as Phoenix earned a 111-103 victory against the New York Knicks and former coach Mike D'Antoni on Monday.