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Surging Bobcats riding momentum of impressive win

Jan 28, 2009 - 11:25 AM Charlotte (19-26) at Portland (27-17) 10:00 p.m. EST

PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) -- The Charlotte Bobcats' recent run of success has the team thinking playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

After an impressive win over the top team in the Western Conference, the Bobcats go for their fourth win in five games on Wednesday when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers.

Charlotte hasn't won more than 33 games in each of the previous four seasons, but is only 1 1/2 games behind the eighth-place Milwaukee Bucks in the East after winning six of its last eight contests, including a 117-110 double-overtime victory against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

Boris Diaw flirted with a triple-double, recording 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists and Raymond Felton nearly duplicated the feat with 21, 11 boards and nine assists for the Bobcats, who handed the Lakers only their fourth loss at home this season.

The Trail Blazers will have to come ready to play after a pair of care-free wins against two of the NBA's worst teams.

Portland forged a 13-point victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday before throttling the Los Angeles Clippers, 113-88, on Monday, when it outscored the opposition 35-16 in the fourth quarter.