Two of the best in the Western Conference face off as the Portland Trail Blazers travel to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers at the Staples Center. The Clippers will play host for the sixth time in a row. They have seen great contributions down the line during this home-stand as they're still without Pat Beverley and Serge Ibaka. The Blazers enter this game hot, winning seven of their last 10 games. This west-coast battle will certainly be an exciting one to watch. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Blazers-Clippers prediction and pick.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Blazers-Clippers odds.
NBA Odds: Blazers-Clippers Odds
Portland Trail Blazers +5.5 (-105)
Over 227 Points (-110)
Under 227 Points (-110)
Why The Blazers Could Cover The Spread
The Portland Trail Blazers enter this game riding a ton of momentum, going 5-1 in their last six games. Their last win against the OKC Thunder was impressive, to say the least. The bench stepped up in a big way for the Blazers, contributing a collective 70 points in the victory. The game was essentially over at half-time, which gave the bench added time on the floor. Regardless, it's definitely a promising sign for Portland down the stretch. If they can continue to get this level of bench play, the Blazers are a sneaky contender out West.
There is no doubt who this team is led by. Damian Lillard is one of the best players in the league and has lived up to all of the hype this season. Dame is averaging nearly 30 points per game in 2021. His averages have taken a slight dip recently with the return of CJ McCollum. Lillard and the Blazers are definitely thrilled to have CJ back in the lineup, though. When these two are on the court together, Portland possesses one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Portland is 5-2 ATS in their last seven games as a road underdog.
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Clippers have put together a solid season under first-year head coach Ty Lue. The Clippers are currently 33-18 on the year and control the third-seed in the Western Conference. Los Angeles made an interesting move this week as they signed DeMarcus Cousins to a 10-day contract. The move was made to hopefully fill the hole that Serge Ibaka has left with his extended absence. The Clippers certainly need the added depth in the loaded West as well. They are hoping that Cousins has a little left in the tank for a championship run.
The Clippers are coming off of an impressive win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Despite playing against a Laker team that was without LeBron or AD, the Clippers took care of their business in a 104-86 victory. They are certainly looking to ride the momentum into this affair. Los Angeles is the league's best three-point shooting team and will hope to shoot their way out of a slight offensive slump in their last three games. They have played well against the Blazers of late, sweeping them last season and winning four straight. Los Angeles won the first meeting of the year by 23 points and is currently 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games coming in.
Final Blazers-Clippers Prediction & Pick
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently going through an uncharacteristic slump on the offensive end. The same can't be said about the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers are scorching hot and have seen contributions down the line. The depth that Portland possesses will be the difference in this game. Their stars are shining and their role players are hot. I see this game coming down to the wire, giving the most clutch player in the league in Dame a chance to win it for the Blazers late.
FINAL PICK: Portland Trail Blazers +5.5 (-105)
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