NBA: Portland 96, Houston 87

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Travis Outlaw touched off a big second quarter Tuesday that sent the Portland Trail Blazers rolling to a 96-87 decision over Houston.

Portland became the first home team to win a game on the opening night of the NBA season after Cleveland and Dallas had lost on their own courts earlier in the evening.

Outlaw had seven points, a steal and a blocked shot during the first 2 1/2 minutes of the second period, during which Portland outscored Houston 31-18 en route to a 13-point cushion at the break.

The Trail Blazers boosted their lead to 19 going into the fourth period and easily withstood a belated Houston comeback try.

Outlaw led the way with 23 points and Brandon Roy had 19 for Portland, which lost to Houston in six games during the opening round of last season's playoffs.

The Rockets are without the services of center Yao Ming, whose career could be in jeopardy because of a significant foot injury.

Houston was led by Aaron Brooks with 19 points. The Rockets shot only 37 percent from the field and were out-rebounded 50-33.