By Michelle Dapper

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trailblazers kicked their sesaon off on a positive note, defeating the Houston Rockets 96-87 in their season home opener at the Rose Garden Tuesday.

Small foward Travis Outlaw scored 23 points in the game, while center Greg Oden contributed 12 points of his own.  Former Duck and current Rocket Aaron Brooks made 19 points on Tuesday night, a team high for Houston.

The Blazers host the Denver Nuggets Thursday night at 7:30.