LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The LA Clippers want to bounce back from an embarrassment in their last game.
• Portland, and Damian Lillard, want to get back on the right scoring track.
• The Clippers have won the last seven regular season meetings against the Trail Blazers.

LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

This is a game between two teams that match up fairly well with each other. While neither team has been shooting the ball well, the Clippers have the edge in terms of depth, which will carry them to their second victory over the Blazers this season.

Picks:

LA Clippers def. Portland Trail Blazers (+120)

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Head-to-Head: LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers

LAC: Keep the Momentum

The Clippers are coming off of a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. While LA has shown success against the Blazers earlier this season, their previous match against the Cavaliers showed their scoring ability could be contained.

The Clippers shot just 35.6% from the field against the Cavaliers, while also collecting just 19 assists for the game. The Trail Blazers’ defence can be leaky at times, but LA needs should short out their shooting if size is going to bother them.

The Trail Blazers won’t just let LA walk into the paint like they did last time. Sorting out their dreadful shooting from last time out will be the key. LA can’t afford another 22% night from three, like they had against the Cavs.

Clippers Key Player: (G-F) Paul George

? 41 FOR PAUL GEORGE ? pic.twitter.com/UECJIqmy7I

— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2021

The Clippers are without a number of key members to open the season, namely Kawhi Leonard. Paul George needs to make up for his absence, but has been up and down in that regard through four games.

Through four games, George is averaging 24 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He is only shooting 30.8% from three though, on 9.8 attempts per game.

George may be struggling with his shooting over the last two games, but he continues to make an effort on the defensive side of the ball with four steals per game. The effort will be there for George, but his scoring will win the game for the Clippers.

POR: Come Out Swinging

The Portland Trail Blazers already faced the Clippers once this season, losing to them by a difference of 30 points. If they want to find some redemption, they need to come out with a stronger effort.

In their last game against the Clippers, the Trail Blazers lost due to their first and third quarter. LA scored a combined 36 points in the first and third, compared to LA’s 66. Their shooting percentages were poor, compounding the issue of their already poor defence.

If the Trail Blazers get off to a good start, they have a chance in this matchup. The true potential of their offence can keep up with anybody, but it won’t be enough if they kneel to the Clippers to open the game like last time.

Trail Blazers Key Player: (G) Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, from way downtown! pic.twitter.com/vjajdAlJih

— DGC (@Itamar_17_10) October 26, 2021

Damian Lillard needs to get going. It is still early days for the Trail Blazers, but the Blazers All-Star needs to be in top form to take down a veteran playoff team like the Clippers.

Lillard has played below his standards to open the 2021-2022 NBA campaign. He’s averaging just 17.8 points per game on 33.3% shooting from the field. He has tied his career high for assists per game though, with eight per contest.

The Clippers are solid defensively, so Portland will need Lillard’s best offensive effort to open the court up for his teammates. If he can’t do so, it’ll be another long night against LA.

How to Watch LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers