Bodog Beat

The young Portland Trail Blazers have struggled with Houston's Yao Ming and have fallen behind 3-1 in the playoff series with the Rockets. (AP Images)

Tonight they face elimination in Portland.

Yao Ming had 21 points and 12 rebounds in an 89-88 victory over the Blazers on Sunday night. Once his teammates were able to get him the ball inside, Yao was nearly unstoppable. When Portland tried to double him, that left someone else open.

Portland was also hurt by giving up 10 offensive rebounds in the final quarter. Yao is averaging 15.8 points and 10.5 rebounds through the first four games of the best-of-seven series.

Home court could help Portland since the Blazers were 34-7 at the Rose Garden during the regular season.
Brandon Roy did not practice Monday because of flu-like symptoms and LaMarcus Aldridge also didn't practice because of a right elbow strain. Both are expected to play in Game 5.