After losing the first two games of this series, the Portland Trail Blazers have placed themselves in the driver’s seat with three-consecutive wins. And as a result, they are now on the verge of advancing into the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. Can the Trail Blazers finally do so with a win in tonight’s Game 6? Or will the undermanned Los Angeles Clippers force a do-or-die Game 7 back at Staples Center?
Read on below for more information about this matchup. And while you’re at it click here for our preview of Game 6 between the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers. The Raps currently have a 3-2 advantage in that series.
Clippers vs. Trail Blazers — Game Six Round One Preview
Where: Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, Portland, Oregon
When: Friday, April 29, 2016, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (+10) at Portland Trail Blazers (-10); total: 198.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick will continue to be the focal points of their offense. Both led the way for the Clips in the loss in Game 5, racking up 17 and 19 points, respectively. But it’s worth noting that they shot just 32.5 percent combined from field. Those two ought to take better shot selections, or better yet, create some scoring opportunities for the others.
Speaking of which, the pair of Jeff Green and Austin Rivers better seize every scoring opportunity that they can get.
Green provided a relatively huge boost off the bench for the Clips, accumulating a total of 17 points and six boards in Wednesday night’s setback. He should continue to receive more minutes, and trust from head coach Doc Rivers so long as he stays this efficient. Green is averaging 13.7 points and 5.6 boards across 26 career games versus Portland.
Rivers, meanwhile, had a so-so performance (13 points, three rebounds, three dimes) in the same game. He got the start in place of the injured Paul, and clearly did everything he could to make a major impact. But Rivers, who is posting just 8.9 points on the road this season, has got to put on a better showing if he really wants to help the Clips stay alive.
On defense, all eyes will be on DeAndre Jordan to protect and solidify the Clips’ interior defense. Every rebound and extra possession that he can give the team will be very crucial. Jordan is tallying 11.0 points, 15.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in the series. His free-throw shooting continues to be dismal, however.
Los Angeles is 3-7 SU and ATS in its previous 10 home games. The Clips are also priced at +12,500 to win the West.
Betting on the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland’s got to be feeling good about the position that it’s in right now. The Trail Blazers head into Game 6 with the momentum and a raucous Moda Center crowd on their side. More importantly, a win would finally allow them to move on to the second round of the playoffs. But of course, that’s still going to be easier said than done against a resilient team like the Clippers.
Hence, the onus is on Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum to quickly get the party started for the Trail Blazers. Both combined for 49 points in Game 5, and it wouldn’t be hard to see them doing it again tonight.
Lillard, who is averaging 20.8 points in the series, really enjoys playing at home. He’s racking up 24.8 points and 7.7 dimes across 39 home games this season. McCollum, meanwhile, is putting up 21.0 points in almost the same stretch. He’ll also be looking to build on his 27-point performance in Wednesday night’s victory at Los Angeles.
It’s worth noting that Maurice Harkless has been pretty solid for the Trail Blazers as well. He’s managed to drop at least 10 or more points in the past four games. That stretch includes his double-double performance (19 points, 10 boards) in Game 5. Another similar output from him could ultimately send the Clips packing for the next season.
Portland is 9-1 SU and 4-6 ATS in its last 10 home games. The Trail Blazer are also priced at +2,500 to win the West.
Writer’s Prediction
Portland (+10) wins, 103-95, and advances into the semifinals for a best-of-seven series date with the Golden State Warriors.
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