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Shorthanded Spurs face off against Blazers again

Mar 1, 2009 - 7:44 AM San Antonio (39-18) at Portland (36-22) 8:00 p.m. EST

PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) -- Just a few days ago, a shorthanded San Antonio Spurs team took down the rising Portland Trail Blazers, despite playing without both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.

On Sunday night, they may have to try to do the same thing all over again. The Spurs head to the road to take on the Blazers in a rematch for a game that has major playoff implications.

Tim Duncan has missed the Spurs' last three games with a sore right knee. Head coach Gregg Popovich has hinted that he will allow his star forward to return to the floor either Sunday or Monday - meaning he still could be held out for one more night. Ginobili, meanwhile, is still sidelined with a stress reaction in his right ankle.

The Blazers would certainly like to get this one back. They were torched by Tony Parker for 39 points and nine assists in Wednesday's loss while shooting just 38 percent (32-of-85). But they're feeling the heat in the Western Conference standings, with the red-hot Jazz (36-23) pulling to within a half-game of Portland's fifth-place spot.

Portland is also chasing Denver (39-20) for the Northwest Division title. Now will be a good chance for the Blazers to build some steam - they will play six of their next seven games at home.