PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The surging Minnesota Timberwolves look to continue their push in the Western Conference standings when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night at Moda Center. Minnesota (35-22) enters on a high note, having won four of its last five games, including a 122-111 victory over Dallas on Friday. Anthony Edwards erupted for 40 points in that win, while center Rudy Gobert dominated with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Gobert has been a force, averaging a double-double over his last 10 games and coming off a 32-point, 17-rebound performance against the Mavericks. The Timberwolves have had Portland’s number this season, winning both matchups, including a decisive 133-109 victory on Feb. 11. In that game, Minnesota’s offense overwhelmed the Trail Blazers from the start. Portland (27-30) seeks to stabilize after a difficult 157-103 home loss to Denver on Friday. The Trail Blazers had shown signs of life prior to that defeat, winning three straight games. Forward Deni Avdija has emerged as a key playmaker, recording a triple-double with 15 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists in the loss to the Nuggets. His versatility will be crucial against Minnesota’s top-tier defense. The game presents a stark contrast in trajectories. The Timberwolves are battling for playoff positioning in a tight conference race, while the Trail Blazers are looking to climb back toward .500 and solidify their place in the play-in tournament conversation. Containing Gobert’s paint presence and Edwards’ perimeter scoring will be the primary challenge for a Portland defense that allowed 133 points to Minnesota earlier this month. Tuesday’s contest is the first of a two-game road trip for Minnesota, which visits the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. Portland embarks on a four-game road trip following this game, starting in Chicago on Thursday.