The Los Angeles Clippers had it rough when they couldn’t stop Portland’s dynamic duo of guards in Game 3 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals matchup. The Clippers lost 986-88 as Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum exploded to breathe some life into the Trail Blazers’ playoff bid.
The Blazers could seize even more momentum by tying the series at home in Game 4. But the Clippers will be very motivated to win this game for a chance to close out the series at home. Read on as we take a look at this action-packed Clippers vs. Blazers Game 4.
For more on the NBA Playoffs, check out our complete previews for the Heat vs. Hornets and Mavericks vs. Thunder.
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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game 4 Preview
Where: Moda Center, Portland
When: Monday, April 25, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (-2.5) at Portland Trail Blazers (+2.5); total 206.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have to bring more energy into this game, especially after they were outhustled by Portland in Game 3. The Clippers were outrebounded 56-44 after having a 100-92 edge over the first two games.
Having Griffin producing should also open up DeAndre Jordan for some big numbers. Jordan scored 18 in Game 1, but has put up just 14 in the next two games combined. Jordan remains a live threat on the boards, averaging 15.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs.
While the two big men’s performances are important, Chris Paul’s is even more vital for the Clippers’ success. He’s been the team’s brightest spot in the playoffs, averaging 26.3 points, 8.3 assists and five rebounds per game in the playoffs. He scored 26 to lead the Clippers in Game 3.
The Clippers have won six of their last seven against Portland, going 4-2 ATS.
Betting on the Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard was on fire in Game 3. He scored 32 points on 10 of 20 shooting in their 96-88 home victory to cut their series deficit to 2-1. Lillard had plenty of help from C.J. McCollum, who scored 27 points on 11 of 22 from the field. The play of Portland’s two guards will be crucial if they are to even this series at two games apiece.
The Blazers play so much better at home than on the road. They’ve won 21 of their last 25 at home with their two guards playing lights out. Lillard has averaged 28 points in his last three at home, while McCollum is chipping in 21.7 points per game.
Lillard and McCollum will lead the team in scoring. But the Blazers can make this game close if they can dominate the boards. They did a fine job of grabbing rebounds in Game 3, owning a 56-44 advantage over the visiting Clippers. Mason Plumlee was a monster in Game 3, posting career highs of 21 rebounds and nine assists. He became only the fourth player to have at least 20 rebounds and nine assists in a playoff game in the last 30 years.
Plumlee also had a superb job in limiting the Clippers’ big men. He limited DeAndre Jordan to four points on 1 of 4 shooting when directly on him, and held Blake Griffic scoreless on 0 of 5 shooting in their matchups.
The Blazers have won nine of their last 10 at home, but have gone just 4-6 ATS.
Writer’s Prediction
The Clippers (-2.5) take a big win for a chance to close out the series in Staples Center.
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