Blazers return home with a 2-0 advantage

Houston has a LaMarcus Aldridge problem. The Trail Blazers’ All-Star forward has been dominating with more than 40 points in each of the opening two playoff games between the two teams in Houston. Portland is up 2-0 as the series moves to Rip City on tonight ( 7:30, ESPN), giving the Rockets little time to figure out how to defend Aldridge. He opened the playoffs with a franchise postseason-best 46 points in the Blazers’ 122-120 overtime victory, then followed it up with 43 points in the 112-105 win on Wednesday night. Thirteen of the 6-foot-11 Aldridge’s 18 field goals on Wednesday came from 10 feet out or more. – AP