The Los Angeles Clippers (0-2) have gotten off to a slow start, dropping their first two games of the season. They’ll have a chance to snap the mini skid at home on Monday night as they welcome the Portland Trail Blazers (1-1) to the Staples Center.
- Date/Time: October 25, 10:30 p.m. ET
- Arena: Staples Center
- TV Coverage: Bally Sports SoCal, NBA TV
- Sportsbook Odds: Clippers -2 | O/U 234.5 (Line History)
- Trail Blazers vs Clippers Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The Clippers come into Monday’s contest as -2 home favorites, going 6-4 ATS in their last 10 against the Trail Blazers. The total is set at 234.5 points with the OVER going 2-0 in Portland’s two games this season.
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Portland News & Notes
CJ McCollum has had a strong start to his season, averaging 31 points through Portland’s first two games. Damian Lillard was Portland’s top scorer last season (28.8 points) but hasn’t shown his top form just yet, averaging 19.5 points so far. Even with a dampened Lillard, the Trail Blazers have averaged 127.5 points per game, good for second in the NBA.
On the injury front, both Norman Powell (knee) and Tony Snell (foot) are expected to miss Monday’s game.
Los Angeles News & Notes
With Kawhi Leonard (knee) sidelined indefinitely, the pressure in Los Angeles falls largely on Paul George. The six-foot-eight forward has done his part through two games, averaging 35 points and 10.5 rebounds, including a 41-point performance in the Clippers’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
The Clippers are one of just four teams without a win yet this season. It’s certainly not time to panic yet, but they’ll need a lot more offensive support around George to get into the win column.
Why Portland Will Cover
McCollum has been red-hot and Lillard has yet to hit his stride. If both players are sinking shots, Portland will be very hard to contain. The Trail Blazers are also fresh off a 134-105 win over Phoenix, so they’ll be feeling confident going into Los Angeles.
Why Los Angeles Will Cover
Although the Clippers are 0-2, they’ve lost to two strong teams in the Warriors and Grizzlies. Portland will arguably be their easiest opponent thus far and if George can get just a bit more help from Eric Bledsoe and Reggie Jackson, they could easily come away with the win.
Computer Pick: Trail Blazers +3
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Buy Sports Picks Now- LA is 6-0 in its last 6 games vs Portland.
- The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
- Portland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games vs LA.
