Wizards-Trail Blazers Preview

The Portland Trail Blazers couldn't overcome a porous defense in the back half of their season-high road trip but hasn't had trouble winning despite similar defensive issues at home.

They may have enough to outlast Washington on Tuesday night with one of the Wizards' leading scorers sitting out.

Portland (33-31) allowed an average of 94.0 points in a 3-0 start to a six-game trek but gave up 118.7 in three ensuing defeats.

"We knew it was going to be a tough trip," said coach Terry Stotts, whose team had also won 14 of 16 before its current skid. "It was good to get the three wins and certainly after winning the first three you hope to get another win or two on the road, but we're going to be…