Clippers, Trail Blazers Face Off Short-Handed in Key NBA Matchup

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers will clash Thursday night at Moda Center, with both teams missing key players due to injuries. The game, scheduled for 7:00 PM Pacific, comes as the Clippers and Trail Blazers navigate significant roster challenges.

The Trail Blazers will be without forwards Jerami Grant (face contusion) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain), as well as center Donovan Clingan (left ankle sprain). Forward Deni Avdija (right ankle sprain) and center Robert Williams III (illness) are listed as doubtful. Meanwhile, the Clippers will rest star forward Kawhi Leonard on the second night of a back-to-back, despite relaxing his minute restriction in their previous game.

“INJURY REPORT 1/16 vs. LAC: OUT Donovan Clingan (L Ankle Sprain), Jerami Grant (Face Contusion), Matisse Thybulle (R Ankle Sprain). DOUBTFUL Deni Avdija (R Ankle Sprain), Robert Williams III (Illness),” the Trail Blazers PR team announced on social media.

Clippers guard James Harden, who has been a focal point of the team’s offense, will be under scrutiny in the matchup. Harden is averaging 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game this season. In his last 10 outings, he has tallied 200 points, 69 assists, and 46 rebounds. Harden’s performance will be critical as the Clippers aim to overcome their recent struggles, averaging 91.2 points per game over their last five contests.

The Trail Blazers’ defense, ranked 18th in the league with 116.4 points allowed per game, will face a tough challenge against Harden and the Clippers’ offense. Portland is allowing opponents to shoot 47.7% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc this season.

With both teams dealing with injuries, the game could hinge on the performance of role players and bench depth. The Clippers hold a slight edge in three-point shooting, hitting 38.3% from deep in their last five games, compared to Portland’s 28.3% during the same span.

As the teams prepare for tip-off, all eyes will be on how the Clippers and Trail Blazers adjust to their depleted lineups in this pivotal Western Conference matchup.