Houston (39-29) at Portland (35-34) The last time the Portland Trail Blazers were playing this well, the Houston Rockets sent them into a tailspin. In strong pursuit of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Blazers can ill-afford another letdown when they host the struggling Rockets at the Rose Garden. Portland took a five-game winning streak into Houston on Feb. 27, but lost 89-85. The defeat began a four-game losing streak for the Blazers, who dropped five of six before their recent resurgence. Portland has won five of its last six, including Saturday's 92-73 blowout of Orlando, moving the Blazers within one-half game of Utah for eighth place in the West. Derek Anderson scored 24 points and Theo Ratliff added 14 points and six blocked shots for Portland, which is trying to make the playoffs for a 22nd consecutive season. ``Once we figured out we were tied in the loss column, we knew we had a chance,'' Anderson said of the Blazers' postseason hopes. ``Now we can control our own destiny. You've gotta believe.'' Saturday's win kicked off a four-game homestand for Portland, which has won four straight at the Rose Garden. The Rockets have lost three in a row, including 100-95 at West-leading Sacramento on Sunday. Despite leading for most of the first 3 1/2 quarters, Houston wilted down the stretch, suffering its 10th straight defeat at Arco Arena. Maurice Taylor scored 23 points and Steve Francis had 17 for the Rockets, who are in seventh place in the West. Francis had an eventful night. He got his NBA-leading 17th technical foul in the second quarter for shoving Doug Christie after a foul. Moments before halftime, Francis was knocked into the front row while attempting a layup. He remained on the court for several moments, but no foul was called. During a live halftime interview after the incident, Francis cursed at least twice and rushed off the court. He apologized when he returned for the second half, saying his emotions got the best of him. Rockets need this game desperately. They should have won the last 3 games but they lose only because of their immaturity. I have strong confidence Rockets can win this game by 7.
