Everyone deserves an occasional break. An NBA team is no exception. At the moment, the LA Clippers look like they could use a break.
This team has lost their identity. The Clippers' skid couldn't come at a worse time. The postseason is looming, and this team needs to get its act together.
Adding some wins to the ledger would be helpful. The Clippers could use a confidence boost. Luckily for them, they're up against the Portland Trail Blazers this season
LA Clippers' opponent is lottery-bound
The Blazers are supposed to be an easy win. This team has its sights set on maximizing their lottery odds. The organization doesn't even want to win.
Losing shouldn't necessarily be difficult tonight. The Blazers are dealing with some significant injuries. Jerami Grant is out, and so is Malcolm Brogdon.
That means it's the Scoot Henderson show in Rip City. That should be good news for the Clippers. The Blazers' rookie has a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 8.6 and a Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of -6.6 in 2023-24.
Henderson is oozing with raw potential. Still, he hasn't put it together in his rookie year. The Blazers' two most impactful veterans are hurt, and they'll be leaning on a rookie point guard.
Does that mean they'll win this game?
LA Clippers can't take opponent lightly
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. This is the NBA. Any team is capable of beating any team at any time.
The Clippers are supposed to beat the Blazers. Given their recent play, that could create a high pressure environment for them. If the Clippers drop this one, they could completely unravel.
So - the team needs to execute. The Clippers ought to ramp up their ball movement, and pay attention to detail on the defensive end. If they can see their game plan through, they should be OK tonight.