Preview: Rockets at Trail Blazers PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The surging Houston Rockets, led by an ageless Kevin Durant, visit the Portland Trail Blazers and their breakout star Deni Avdija on Wednesday night at Moda Center. Houston (21-11) enters with the Western Conference’s third-best record, having won seven of its last 10 games despite a 104-110 road loss to Dallas on Saturday. Durant, 37, continues to defy time, averaging 28.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists over his last 10 contests. He posted 34 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the loss to the Mavericks. The Rockets dominated the first meeting this season, a 140-116 home victory on Nov. 14. Portland (16-20) has shown recent life, winning four of its last six, including a 115-110 victory at San Antonio on Saturday. The resurgence has been fueled by Avdija, who is averaging a triple-double over his last five games: 27.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 10.2 assists. He recorded a triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) in the win over the Spurs. The matchup between Durant’s efficient scoring and all-around play and Avdija’s emergent triple-double prowess will be central. Houston’s supporting cast, including Amen Thompson (20 points, 12 rebounds vs. Dallas) and Tari Eason (19 points, 10 rebounds), provides athleticism and defense. Portland will rely on center Donovan Clingan, coming off a 24-point, 12-rebound performance, to control the interior against a Houston team that ranks among the league’s top offenses. The game is the first of a home-and-home set, with the teams meeting again in Portland on Friday. The Rockets then travel to Sacramento on Sunday, while the Trail Blazers host the New York Knicks.