The Clippers hope to get back on track in a game against yet another Western Conference Rival, this time the Portland Trail Blazers. Keep reading for a full preview of the Clippers’ contest against the Trail Blazers.
Game Information
Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
When: 7:00 PM PT
How to Watch: Bally Sports SoCal
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: Reggie Jackson – Paul George – Marcus Morris – Serge Ibaka – Ivica Zubac
Blazers: Dennis Smith Jr. – CJ McCollum – Norman Powell – Robert Covington – Jusuf Nurkic
Injuries
Clippers: Kawhi Leonard Out (Knee), Nic Batum Out (Conditioning), Jason Preston Out (Foot), Keon Johnson Out (G-League), Jay Scrubb Out (G-League)
Blazers: Damian Lillard Out (Knee), CJ McCollum Probable (Ribs), Anfernee Simons Out (Ankle), Nassir Little Questionable (Ankle)
The Big Picture
The Clippers are not quite floundering, but are certainly not playing great of late. Nic Batum is still out, as he needs to regain conditioning that he lost during his bout with COVID-19, and on the Kawhi-less Clippers, Batum’s absence results in a dearth of shooting, rebounding, defense, and small-ball versatility. Marcus Morris has had two strong games in a row, which is a great sign, but Paul George continues to struggle with his shot, and clearly lacks the burst and verve that he had to start the season. Unfortunately, the two most dependable Clippers’ role players this season are Ivica Zubac and Isaiah Hartenstein, and they not only play the same position, but they also share the same spot as the Clippers’ most respected veteran, Serge Ibaka, who the Clippers feel compelled to play. If anything, those guys should be playing more, but their playing time has been sadly squeezed in recent weeks. The Clippers desperately need forward play, leading to two-big men lineups, though those have been inconsistent. In short, the team is kind of a mess.
The Antagonist
If the Clippers are having a rough go of it, the Blazers are in far worse straits. Despite being only two games below .500, the vibes on the team are awful – new coach Chauncey Billups lambasted the Blazers, especially the starters, for a lack of effort after their most recent loss. The Blazers have a late-era Lob City feel; a team that has been together a year or two too long and feels distinctly sour about it. CJ McCollum is still a bucket, Norm Powell has had an excellent season, and Nassir Little has had a breakout third season, but the roster in general is mostly underwhelming veterans that don’t mesh well, especially on defense. There’s plenty of talent, too, but this is a team that the Clippers can beat, even on the road.
Notes
The Bledsoe-Hartenstein Combo: Over the past two games, as Eric Bledsoe has come off the bench, he’s shown a nice pick and roll chemistry with Hartenstein. Bledsoe’s no longer a great threat to finish and explode at the rim, but he’s capable of manipulating the pick and roll and finding big men via bounce passes and acrobatic mid-air dishes for easy layups and floaters. Hartenstein’s gorgeous touch on his floater and his bounciness at the rim make him a natural partner for Bledsoe, and as the two get more time together, their pairing should only grow more effective.
PG vs Portland: Paul George has averaged 24.7 points per game against the Blazers in 26 contests across his career, the second-highest against any team behind only his former Pacers squad. While Robert Covington is a helpful team defender, he’s no longer much of a point of attack stopper, and nobody else on the Blazers has the requisite size to deal with George. Therefore, after a couple weeks cold shooting, George should be primed for a big night against the Blazers. Hopefully the Clippers get him some easy looks early to get his confidence up, and use the Blazers’ probable aggressive defense against him to create open looks for teammates.
That about does it for this preview of the Clippers’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Comment on the game below!