Overview
- Tip-off is 7 p.m. PT at the Moda Center, with Portland 12-18 and Los Angeles 8-21; DraftKings lists LAC -2.5, moneyline LAC -142/POR +120, total 226.5.
- The Clippers enter on a two-game win streak after beating the Lakers and Rockets and are 3-13 on the road, with Blazer’s Edge reporting off-court discord that included parting with Chris Paul and separate reporting indicating reluctance to rebuild due to a 2026 first-round pick owed.
- Kawhi Leonard scored 41 points with 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the win over Houston, while James Harden added 29 points and 6 assists as the duo drives L.A.’s offense.
- Portland has dropped two straight after late fourth-quarter rallies fell short and continues to struggle from deep at 33.2% from three, with Deni Avdija recently posting 25 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds.
- Injury reports list Portland’s Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley out, with Robert Williams III and Kris Murray questionable; L.A. rules out Bradley Beal, Ivica Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr., with Chris Paul not with the team.