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The NBA season is back and has been full of action. The Portland Trail Blazers are hitting the road to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Blazers-Clippers prediction and pick.
The Blazers and Clippers have had somewhat different starts to the 2021-22 season. The Blazers are 1-1. Portland lost their first game by 3 to the Kings. They then proceeded to take out their frustration on the Suns, demolishing Phoenix by 29. The Clippers are 0-2, having lost two close games to the Warriors and the Grizzlies. Monday night’s game should be a good one.
Here's how bookmakers have set the Blazers-Clippers odds for Monday's matchup.
NBA Odds: Blazers-Clippers Odds
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Portland Trail Blazers: +3 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers: -3 (-110)
Over 230 points (-110)
Under 230 points (-110)
Why The Blazers Could Cover The Spread
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This Blazers team has managed to remain remarkably consistent through the years. They have kept their key players and continue to be competitive against the league’s best. Portland followed a disappointing opening night loss by a dominant victory against the Suns. The Blazers are looking to make a playoff run this year. They have held onto their most important players and will try to get a winning record against the Clippers.
When people think of the Portland Trail Blazers they think of Damian Lillard. Lillard has been the face of this franchise since he was drafted in 2012. There were many rumors that Dame would be departing this offseason, but Lillard made it clear that he is sticking with Portland. Dame’s numbers speak for themselves, and while he has struggled a bit in the first two games, Lillard is a superstar and dominant force in the NBA. If this is the game where he plays like himself then the Clippers will likely be taking a loss.
While Damian Lillard has been the face of this franchise for years, leading the team this season has been CJ McCollum. McCollum is a fan favorite and an offensive monster. He can score from anywhere on the field and has been electric this season. CJ put up 34 points against the Kings and 28 against the Suns. He makes offense look easy and if the Clippers can’t contain him then Portland could run away with this one.
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
A devastating injury to Kawhi Leonard last year meant that this Clippers team was going to need to adapt. While they have started off this season 0-2, they have managed to be competitive with top teams in the Western Conference. Both the Warriors and the Grizzlies are potential playoff teams and both of those losses came by 6 points or less. The Clippers are looking to get their first win of the season against another competitive team from the west.
Leading the way for Los Angeles is Paul George. Paul George is one of the best players in the NBA. George was extremely impressive in the playoffs last year and seems to have carried that momentum into this season. With Kawhi out the Clippers have been leaning on George and he has done everything he can to put them in positions to win games. In their loss to Memphis George put up 41 points and 10 rebounds. He has been carrying this Clippers team and will be a big factor in this matchup with Portland.
The key to winning this game for Los Angeles is finishing strong. The Clippers have been starting off strong this season. They have been either tied or ahead by half time but have failed to carry momentum into the second half. Basketball is an endurance heavy sport and this Clippers team needs to learn to finish the job. This will likely be a competitive game and if Los Angeles can manage to maintain momentum then they could get their first win of the season. This means that the bench needs to keep the team in the game and that Paul George needs to finish the job. If the Clippers can compete for four quarters then they can win this game.
Final Blazers-Clippers Prediction & Pick
This is going to be a close game. The Clippers are favorites in spite of being winless this season. Portland is coming off a dominant win and that momentum could easily carryover into this game. We’re likely to see a battle between CJ McCollum and Paul George, but if Lillard wakes up then Portland will certainly get a win. Pick Portland to win and cover this game, even if Dame doesn’t have a great game the Blazers will still be extremely competitive.
FINAL BLAZERS-CLIPPERS PREDICTION & PICK: Portland Trail Blazers +3 (-110)
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Blazers 119 – Clippers 113
