Sports Betting Picks

LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers – NBA Preview – Jan 16, 2025

The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET. The Clippers (22-17) are looking to build on their dominant 126-67 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, while the Trail Blazers (13-26) aim to rebound after a tough 132-114 loss to the Nets earlier this week.

These teams met on December 3, 2024, with the Clippers securing a convincing 127-105 win. The Clippers currently sit in 5th place in the Western Conference, while the Blazers are in 13th. Both teams are navigating contrasting momentum heading into this matchup.

LA Clippers Preview – Riding High After Record Win

The Clippers come into this game fresh off a historic 59-point win against Brooklyn. Kawhi Leonard led the charge with a season-high 23 points, while James Harden added 21 points and 11 assists, moving to 15th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. This victory allowed coach Tyronn Lue to rest his starters for the second leg of their back-to-back.

Los Angeles ranks 15th in field goal percentage (46.6%) and relies heavily on Leonard and Harden for offensive production. They also excel defensively, limiting opponents to 42.3 made field goals per game, ranked 23rd in the league. However, turnovers remain a concern, as the team averages 16.4 per game, ranking 27th.

With an 8-11 road record, the Clippers will look to capitalize on Portland’s defensive struggles. They hold a -6.5 spread advantage, which suggests confidence in their ability to control the game.

Portland Trail Blazers Preview – Defensive Woes

The Trail Blazers face significant challenges, particularly on defense, where they rank 24th in points allowed (116.8 per game). Portland’s roster has been hampered by injuries, with Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Jerami Grant sidelined. Despite these setbacks, second-year guard Scoot Henderson has emerged as a bright spot, dropping a career-high 39 points against Brooklyn.

Portland’s offense relies on Henderson and Anfernee Simons, while Shaedon Sharpe adds additional scoring depth. The Blazers, however, struggle on the boards, ranking 28th in offensive rebounds and 19th in total rebounds. This weakness has contributed to their poor 5-16 home record.

Coach Chauncey Billups has emphasized improving defensive effort, but the team must execute better to avoid being overrun by the Clippers’ efficient offense.

Betting Prediction

The Clippers are favored by -6.5, and the total is set at 219.5. Los Angeles has a clear advantage in form, talent, and health. Portland’s inability to defend or dominate the boards should allow the Clippers to dictate the game. Expect LA to cover the spread and for the game to finish under the total, given Portland’s limited offensive options.

Projected final score: Clippers 112, Trail Blazers 100.

Pick: Clippers -6.5, Under 219.5

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