Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Clippers Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 11, 2024

The Portland Trail Blazers kick off their four-game preseason schedule on Friday against the LA Clippers. While Portland has yet to commence exhibition play, LA is set to compete in its third of five preseason outings.

The James Harden-led Clippers opened their preseason schedule with a last-second 91-90 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. They followed that up by dispatching the Brooklyn Nets 115-106 on Tuesday, receiving well-balanced offensive production in both outings.

LA remains without superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, who is rehabbing from an offseason right knee procedure. The oft-injured two-time NBA champion has yet to be cleared for five-on-five scrimmages, with the Clippers reportedly bringing him along slowly.

Meanwhile, LA continues to adjust to life without star wing Paul George, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Between George's departure and Leonard's extensive injury history, the franchise is expected to fall short of last season's fourth-place Western Conference finish (51-31).

As for Portland, coming off a 15th-place West finish (21-61), it is again projected to be one of the conference's bottom dwellers. The rebuilding franchise was fairly inactive over the summer. Moreover, its biggest offseason acquisition, forward Deni Avdija, has been ruled out of Friday's exhibition clash for personal reasons.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Clippers odds, preview and prediction

Portland and LA's preseason showdown is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, Oct. 11 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

The matchup will be broadcast locally on KTLA and via radio on Rip City Radio 620. It can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Blazers (+125) vs Clippers (-150)

Spread: Blazers +3.0 (-110) vs Clippers -3.0 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): o216.5 (-110) vs u216.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tip-off, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Clippers preview

Even with Leonard sidelined, LA has a more proven, veteran-heavy roster than Portland, with numerous quality role players.

Harden should again run the Clippers' offense, with wings Terance Mann and potentially Norman Powell (DTD) serving as complementary scoring options. Meanwhile, their offseason additions, guard Kris Dunn and forward Derrick Jones Jr., will likely operate as defensive specialists, with center Ivica Zubac manning the paint.

While Portland is unproven, it has several prospects to keep an eye on, including last year's No. 3 draft pick, point guard Scoot Henderson. The high-flying guard will look to build upon his underwhelming rookie campaign. Meanwhile, this year's No. 7 pick, center Donovan Clingan, is expected to debut, bolstering the Blazers' frontcourt.

Portland also retained last season's three leading scorers (minimum 41 games), shooting guard Anfernee Simons, forward Jerami Grant and big man Deandre Ayton. Nevertheless, the organization still lacks a clear-cut No. 1 scoring option and the defensive personnel to compete against high-level teams.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Clippers predicted starting lineups

With Avdija (personal) and reserve wing Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder) out for Friday's contest, the Blazers' starting five could be as follows:

PG: Scoot Henderson SG: Anfernee Simons SF: Toumani Camara PF: Jerami Grant C: Deandre Ayton

Meanwhile, with Leonard sidelined and Powell (undisclosed) questionable, the Clippers could trot out the following starting unit:

PG: James Harden SG: Norman Powell (DTD)/Kris Dunn SF: Terance Mann PF: Derrick Jones Jr. C: Ivica Zubac

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Clippers prediction

While neither team has a homecourt advantage, the LA Clippers' experience edge should help them secure their second preseason victory while covering the spread (-3.0). They defeated a similarly unproven Brooklyn squad by nine points on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Blazers could experience rust in their preseason opener.

Considering Portland's lack of defensive personnel and the relatively laidback nature of preseason games, the teams should also surpass their 216.5 over/under point total.

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