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Clippers vs. Blazers Preview: LA Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling
The Clippers have won eight out of their last 11 games, and now have another game they should win at home against the 6-15 Blazers.
Game Information
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
When: 7:30 PM PT
How to Watch: Clippervision, Bally Sports SoCal
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: James Harden – Terance Mann – Paul George – Kawhi Leonard – Ivica Zubac
Blazers: Skylar Mays – Anfernee Simons – Shaedon Sharpe – Jabari Walker – Duop Reath
Injury Report
Clippers: Moussa Diabate out (hip), Mason Plumlee out (MCL)
Blazers: Jerami Grant out (concussion protocol), Malcolm Brogdon day to day, Deandre Ayton day to day.
The Big Picture
The LA Clippers return home against the Blazers after a brief, one game road trip, and the proud owners of a three-game win streak. Sure, there are still some things to iron out, but the fact of the matter is the Clippers have been playing some of their best basketball of the season of late, and definitely since the James Harden trade.
Kawhi Leonard is coming off arguably his best game of the season with 41 points, five rebounds, and five assists as the Clippers broke their losing streak in Utah. Harden has been fitting in better and playing a little more aggressive. Russell Westbrook is bringing the the spark and boost of energy off the bench.
The blueprint is there for how the Clippers need to continue to play. After their big comeback win against the Golden State Warriors last weekend followed by beating a healthy Denver Nuggets team, the Clippers were adamant they could not have a let-down against the short-handed Jazz.
Overall, the Clippers are 8-3 in their last 11 games and have finally climbed back over .500. They’ve got a nice little home stretch coming up as well. This is the time for them to really make up ground in the Western Conference standings.
The Antagonist
The Portland Trail Blazers come to town reeling. They’ve lost three in a row and are 3-7 in their last ten games. They’re near the bottom of the standings in the Western Conference, ahead of only the San Antonio Spurs who have lost 16 straight.
They’re also going to be short-handed. Jerami Grant is currently in concussion protocol and did not make the trip. Malcolm Brogdon and Deandre Ayton are considered day to day.
This is a game the Clippers need to have. It’s also a game that wouldn’t be surprising if the Clippers allowed to be competitive. The Jazz game was the first major test to see if they’ve truly turned the corner. This one can further enhance that notion.
Clippers vs. Blazers Preview: LA Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling
David Yapkowitz