Los Angeles Clippers Look to Keep Win Streak and Playoff Hopes Alive
As the NBA season draws to a close, the Los Angeles Clippers look to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win in Portland against the Trail Blazers.
The Clippers’ (41-34) margin for error for the remainder of the season has dropped to almost zero, as the team still trails the Jazz (42-33) by a game for the 8th seed. There are only seven more games in the regular season, with five coming against playoff teams, and one more against the playoff hopeful Nuggets (40-35).
In a post-game interview after the Clippers win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, Austin Rivers stated that the Clippers “look at each game like it’s the last game.” That type of intensity will be necessary every night if the team wants to sneak their way into the playoffs. They face a tough match-up in Portland tonight against a Blazers team that has given them some trouble this season.
The Blazers (46-29) have separated themselves from the rest of the crowded Western Conference playoff race, with a two and a half game cushion over the Spurs (44-32) for the third seed. Following an impressive stretch of thirteen straight victories, Portland has dropped three of its last five games, including a loss to the lowly Grizzlies on the second night of a back-to-back Wednesday.
The Blazers have beaten the Clippers twice in their three meetings this season, the sole victory for the Clippers coming on a game winning Blake Griffin three in their first match-up this season. In tonight’s game, the Clippers will have to find a way to slow down the Blazers’ dangerous guard combo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Over the Blazers’ last ten games, Lillard has averaged 27.9 points per game on 41.3% shooting and 35.5% beyond the arc. He has been attacking the basket, making it to the line 8.3 times per game, converting those opportunities at a 96.4% clip. During the same stretch, McCollum has averaged 23 points per game, shooting an impressive 48.4% from the field and 34.9% from deep.
The Clippers are riding a three game win streak as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. The return of Tyrone Wallace and C.J. Williams has bolstered a beleaguered rotation when it matters most. Both played meaningful minutes that helped the Clippers get past the Suns on Wednesday, and will be key in shutting down Portland’s wings.
Danilo Gallinari will also suit up tonight, according to Brad Turner of the LA Times, after missing the last eighteen games with a hand injury. Although he may be limited while he plays through pain, the addition of his offensive skill set could be key to the Clippers securing a much needed win on the road, especially with Milos Teodosic sidelined for the foreseeable future with a torn plantar fascia. The Clippers also hope that Tobias Harris continues his hot shooting, as he has averaged 20.4 points per game on 51.3% shooting and 60% from deep over his last five games.
A win tonight keeps the Clippers afloat for for more day. In a season defined by overcoming adversity, it’s make or break games like these that seem to bring the best out of this gritty group.