Update: Robert Williams III has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable.
• • •
The Portland Trail Blazers get their third crack at picking up a win during their five-game homestand when they host the LA Clippers on Thursday night.
The Clippers present a far more significant challenge than the Brooklyn Nets, who won 132-114 Tuesday night at the Moda Center.
The Clippers might have avoided being fatigued against the Blazers playing in the second game of a back-to-back by making easy work of the Nets on Wednesday night.
The Clippers won 126-67 at home against the Nets, who played without key players Cameron Johnson, Ben Simmons and D’Angelo Russell. All three played against the Blazers on Tuesday.
Clippers forward Kawhi had his best game since his return last week, scoring 23 points. But he could easily sit against the Blazers rather than play on back-to-back nights.
Portland also has its share of roster issues. The Blazers will again be without forwards Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan. Center Robert Williams III and forward Deni Avdija are listed as doubtful.
The Blazers played without Williams, Avdija and Grant against the Nets and it wasn’t pretty.
Prediction: The Clippers’ blowout win over the Nets led to Leonard leading the starters with 24 minutes. Consequently, the Clippers should be reasonably rested and able to handle the Blazers, who have given up 251 points over their last two games.
• • •
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. LA CLIPPERS
What: Trail Blazers (13-26) vs. Clippers (22-17), 7 p.m., Thursday.
Where: Moda Center.
Season series: 1-1. The Blazers won 106-105 at the Clippers on Oct. 30 and lost 127-105 on Dec. 3, also in Los Angeles. Thursday will be their final meeting.
Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).
TV channel: KATU (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184).
How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here.
• • •
ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)
Moneyline: POR +205 | LAC -250
Spread: POR +6.5 | Over/Under: 222
INJURIES
Blazers: Robert Williams III (illness) is questionable. Deni Avdija (right ankle sprain) is doubtful. Donovan Clingan (right ankle sprain), Jerami Grant (face contusion) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are out.
Clippers: Not available.
NEXT UP
The Blazers play back-to-back games this weekend. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, they host the Houston Rockets. At 6 p.m. on Sunday, the Blazers host the Chicago Bulls.
— Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)
