LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 16, 2025

The LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers square off again on Thursday, the third and final encounter between the two teams. LA is on a two-game winning streak but must overcome short rest to capture the season series against the home team.

Kawhi Leonard, who had his best game of the season less than 24 hours ago, could be held out in Portland. James Harden, Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell are ready to lead the visitors.

While the Blazers are well-rested, they will host the Clippers while missing key players. Donovan Clingan, Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle are out, while Robert Williams and Deni Avdija are doubtful. Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe will try to lead the team to their 14th win of the season.

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The LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

The Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, will host the Clippers-Blazers encounter. Basketball fans can stream the action live by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Clippers (-260) vs. Blazers (+210)

Odds: Clippers (-6.5) vs. Blazers (+6.5)

Total: (O/U): Clippers (o221.0 -110) vs. Blazers (u221.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers preview

The LA Clippers rolled to their most dominant win of the season against the injury-hampered Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Kawhi Leonard was in vintage form, while James Harden provided all-around brilliance. LA’s defense suffocated the Nets, who were limited on offense.

The same formula could work for LA against the hobbled Blazers. Despite playing on short rest, Ty Lue’s team can rely on its elite defense to shackle its undermanned opponent. If Leonard is out, somebody else must step up to help Harden and Norman Powell carry the offensive load.

Defense should be a primary concern for the Portland Trail Blazers. Overpowering their visitors on offense might be too difficult to accomplish because of their injuries. Over their last two games, the Blazers have lost by an average of 19.5 points. They might suffer another blowout loss if their defense continues to struggle.

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LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers predicted starting lineups

Clippers

PG: James Harden | SG: Norman Powell | SF: Derrick Jones Jr. | PF: Kawhi Leonard | C: Ivica Zubac

Blazers

PG: Anfernee Simons | PG: Scoot Henderson | SG: Shaedon Sharpe | PF: Toumani Camara | C: Deandre Ayton

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LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers betting tips

James Harden will likely have a bigger load on offense if Kawhi Leonard doesn't play in the second night of the back-to-back set. Harden averages 21.7 points per game this season when the two-time NBA Finals MVP is unavailable.

Against the Blazers, owners of the third-worst defensive rating in the NBA, the former MVP could top his 21.5 (O/U) points prop.

Norman Powell had 18 points in 22 minutes in the Clippers’ blowout win against the Nets. Before that, he averaged 26.0 points in his previous four games. Powell could resume his scoring spree against Portland’s stuttering defense, thus topping 24.5 (O/U).

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LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers prediction

LA’s defense has been superb this season and the team has regained its mojo on offense. Against the hobbled Blazers, who have had trouble slowing down opponents, the Clippers likely win and beat the -6.5 spread.