The start of the last road trip of the season for the Trailblazers ended with a loss last night in Dallas as the lottery-bound Mavericks pull off a 115-109 win over Portland.

It’s the first of 3 games in Texas for the Blazers on this 4-game trip, and Portland is 4-and-4 since its 13-game win streak recently.

Damian Lillard scored 29 points and C.J. McCollum added 16 in the loss but both combined were a dismal 2-for-15 from 3-point range.

The Blazers who secured a playoff spot with Sunday’s win over Memphis could have clinched the home court for the first time in 5 straight playoff appearances with the win, and losses by the Thunder and Utah. Golden State beat Oklahoma City, but Utah scored a win at home beating the Lakers.

Portland plays in Houston tomorrow night against the NBA leading Rockets who along with the Warriors and the Blazers have secured playoff spots in the Western Conference. 7 other teams are still alive for the 5 remaining playoff positions in the west.

In the Eastern Conference, only Milwaukee and Detroit are alive for the last of 8 playoff spots.