Clippers Look for Momentum as They Visit a Gritty Trail Blazers Team in Portland
So here’s what’s going on with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers as they get set to meet on Friday night at the Moda Center. On paper, this matchup might not scream blockbuster, but once you dig into the storylines, there’s actually a lot to unpack.
Portland comes into this game with a 12–18 record, and it’s been one of those seasons where effort hasn’t been the issue, but results haven’t always followed. The Blazers are currently on a two-game losing streak after tough home losses to the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic. What made those defeats sting even more is how familiar the script felt. In both games, double-digit fourth-quarter deficits were erased, the lead was briefly taken, and then the game slipped away in the final minute. That pattern has been seen often this season, and it explains why Portland has already played 20 games that went into “clutch time,” the second-most in the NBA. Their 9–11 record in those situations shows just how close this team has been.
Shooting has been a clear issue, especially from deep. Portland is hitting just 33.2 percent from three-point range, one of the worst marks in the league, and that’s made late-game execution even tougher. Still, individual performances have offered hope. Deni Avdija, for example, continues to stand out. His 25-point, eight-assist, six-rebound outing against Orlando marked his 15th game this season with at least 25 points, five assists, and five rebounds, a number that ranks among the league leaders.
On the other side, the Clippers arrive with an 8–21 record, a major disappointment by any standard. However, some positive momentum has finally been built. Los Angeles is riding a two-game winning streak, highlighted by convincing victories over the Lakers and the Rockets. Against Houston, the offense was firing on all cylinders. Kawhi Leonard exploded for 41 points while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out five assists, and James Harden added 29 points and six assists. That performance reminded everyone of the upside this roster still has.
That said, road struggles remain a concern. The Clippers are just 3–13 away from home, and this will be their first visit to Portland since beating the Blazers 114–107 back in October. With injuries piling up on both sides, rotations are being tested, and depth is expected to matter.
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Oddsmakers see this as a tight one, with the Clippers slightly favored. But given Portland’s tendency to hang around and Los Angeles’ inconsistency on the road, this game feels like it could come down to execution in the final minutes once again. For the Blazers, it’s another chance to finally flip those close losses into a win. For the Clippers, it’s an opportunity to prove that their recent surge is more than just a brief spark.
Clippers Look for Momentum as Blazers Aim to Finish Strong at Home
So, there’s a lot going on around this Portland Trail Blazers versus Los Angeles Clippers matchup, and it feels like one of those games where both teams are searching for something different. The Clippers arrive in Portland on Friday night to face the Blazers at the Moda Center, and while the records might not scream blockbuster, the context makes this one worth talking about.
Portland comes into this game with a 12–18 record and is clearly in the middle of a frustrating stretch. The last two games have followed an all-too-familiar pattern. Big fourth-quarter deficits were erased, leads were taken late, and then things slipped away in the final minute. Losses to the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic stung, especially after the Blazers had put together a three-game winning streak just before that. It’s been one of those seasons where effort hasn’t been questioned, but results haven’t always followed. That’s reflected in the numbers too, with Portland playing a ton of close games and spending a lot of time in clutch situations, winning nine of those but losing eleven.
Shooting has been a major issue for Portland, especially from beyond the arc. A three-point percentage hovering near the bottom of the league has made comebacks harder to complete and late-game execution tougher. Still, there have been individual bright spots. Deni Avdija continues to stand out, and his recent performance against Orlando showed just how versatile and impactful he can be when given responsibility.
On the other side, the Clippers arrive with an 8–21 record and plenty of disappointment attached to their season so far. Expectations were higher, but consistency has been missing, especially away from home where they’ve struggled badly. That said, momentum might finally be building. A two-game winning streak has been put together, highlighted by a dominant win over the Houston Rockets. Kawhi Leonard was spectacular in that one, putting up a massive scoring night, while James Harden played a strong supporting role. When those two are clicking, the Clippers look like a completely different team.
This game also marks the second meeting between these teams this season. The first one went the Clippers’ way back in October, and Portland will be eager to even the score, especially in front of the home crowd. Injuries are a factor for both sides, with several key players unavailable, which adds another layer of unpredictability.
As tip-off approaches, the storyline is pretty clear. Portland is desperate to turn effort into wins and stop late-game collapses, while the Clippers are trying to prove that their recent success isn’t just a brief spark. Something has to give, and for two teams fighting uphill battles, this Friday night matchup suddenly feels a lot bigger than the standings suggest.
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