7 tonight at the Rose Garden; TV on CSN (Comcast 37); radio on KXTG (95.5); Spanish broadcast on KSZN (1230)

Probable starters

Portland

No.

Name

Ht.

Pos.

Statistics

2

Steve Blake

6-3

PG

10.9 ppg, 3.9 apg

7

Brandon Roy

6-7

G

20.8 ppg, 5.1 apg, 4.1 rpg

88

Nicolas Batum

6-9

SF

6.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg

12

LaMarcus Aldridge

6-11

PF

15.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg

52

Greg Oden

7-0

C

8.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg

New Orleans*

3

Chris Paul

6-0

PG

20.9 ppg, 12.2 apg, 6.8 rpg

9

Morris Peterson

6-7

SG

8.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg

16

Peja Stojakovic

6-10

SF

11.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg

30

David West

6-9

PF

20.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.2 apg

6

Tyson Chandler

7-1

C

8.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg

Notable: The Hornets are playing their final game on a three-game trip and second game of a back-to-back. The Blazers' chances at victory could depend on their ability to contain Paul, who leads the NBA in assists (158), assists per game (12.2), steals (38), steals per game (2.9) and is tied for first in double doubles (11). He started the season by registering at least 20 points and 10 assists in each of his first seven games, tying the NBA record set by Oscar Robertson in 1968. The Blazers are 6-0 at home and are coming off one of their most impressive victories of the season, a 106-68 blowout of the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. It was their ninth win over the last 12 games, and three of their last four wins have come by at least 21 points.

Series history: The Blazers lost to the Hornets 87-82 earlier this month but own a 29-19 all-time advantage in the series, including a 16-6 edge in Portland. The Blazers have won four in a row and five of their last six against the Hornets at the Rose Garden.

Injuries: Forward Martell Webster (foot) is out for the Blazers. Peterson (knee) is questionable for the Hornets.

*Statistics through Wednesday

-- Joe Freeman