Dallas hosts Portland

Dallas — Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan is dismissing any debate over the "underdog" in the playoff series between Portland and the Dallas Mavericks.

McMillan said Thursday that, simply put, there isn't one.

The Blazers and the Mavericks split their regular-season series,
with each team winning twice on its home court. Each of the games
was decided by eight points or fewer.

Portland shot 47.8 percent from the field against the Mavs,
while Dallas shot 51 percent against the Blazers.

The first-round playoff series between the two teams kicks off
on Saturday night at the American Airlines Center.