(Best E Casino) - The battle for Los Angeles continues tonight, as the Clippers act as the host against the playoff-bound Lakers at the Staples Center.

The Lakers are a half game ahead of the Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the Pacific Division, and are two games behind New Orleans for the No. 1 seed in the West.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the campaign between the clubs. The Lakers are 3-0 against the Clippers and have won six of the last eight contests in the series. The Lakers have also won two of three and three of their last five at the Clippers.

The Lakers are 26-14 as the visitor this season, and will play their final road contest of the campaign. They will finish the regular season with a three-game homestand against New Orleans, San Antonio and Sacramento.

On Tuesday, Brandon Roy scored 23 points and matched a career high with 12 assists as the Portland Trail Blazers held on for a 112-103 victory over the Lakers at the Rose Garden.

Superstar Kobe Bryant scored 34 points in the loss to Portland for the Lakers, who had a four-game winning streak halted. Pau Gasol ended with 21 points and 13 rebounds in defeat.

Forward Luke Walton (strained right hamstring) is questionable for the Lakers. He has missed two straight games.

The Clippers have lost three in a row. Carmelo Anthony scored 36 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a much-needed 117-99 victory over the Clippers on Tuesday at the Staples Center.

Cuttino Mobley ended with 25 points for the Clippers, who have dropped 14 of their last 16 games overall. Elton Brand chipped in 17 points and Quinton Ross netted 10 in defeat.

Corey Maggette, who is averaging a team-best 22.2 points per game for the Clippers this season, and center Chris Kaman (sprained right ankle) missed Tuesday's contest. Maggette is questionable against the Lakers, while Kaman is still sidelined with his injury.

The Clippers are 13-27 as the host this season, and will host their final home game of the campaign. They will wrap up their schedule with games at Golden State, New Orleans and Houston.