Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
TV/Streaming: KUNP / FanDuel Sports Network – SoCal (local), NBA League Pass (national)
Radio: Rip City Radio 620 AM (Trail Blazers), 710 ESPN / AM 570 (Clippers)
This critical late-season Western Conference clash pits two play-in bubble teams against each other at the Moda Center. The Clippers (currently 8th in the West) hold a slim one-game lead over the Trail Blazers (9th), making this essentially an elimination-style game for seeding and playoff positioning with just two regular-season contests remaining. Portland has home-court advantage and recent momentum at home, while Los Angeles rides a strong road winning streak entering the matchup.
Team Records and Standings Context
Los Angeles Clippers (41-39): 8th in the Western Conference, 19-21 on the road. They boast a +1.3 average scoring margin and have been competitive in tight playoff-race scenarios.
Portland Trail Blazers (40-40): 9th in the Western Conference, 22-17 at home. They sit just 2.5 games back of the play-in threshold with a near-even scoring margin, relying heavily on home performance down the stretch.
Both squads are locked in a direct battle for the No. 8 seed and the right to host a play-in game.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)
Los Angeles Clippers (3-2):
L 110-128 vs. Oklahoma City (4/8)
W 116-103 vs. Dallas (4/7)
W 138-109 @ Sacramento (4/5)
L 99-118 vs. San Antonio (4/2)
W (prior road win contributing to current streak)
The Clippers have shown offensive explosiveness in wins but defensive lapses in losses. They enter seeking a 5th straight road victory.
Portland Trail Blazers (3-2):
L 101-112 @ San Antonio (4/8)
L 132-137 (OT) @ Denver (4/6)
W 118-106 vs. New Orleans (4/2)
W 114-104 @ LA Clippers (3/31)
W 123-88 vs. Washington (3/29)
Portland has been streaky, with strong home wins bookending recent road struggles. They’ve shown resilience in high-scoring affairs but have dropped their last two.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Clippers:
Darius Garland (G) – Available (Toe; cleared after earlier concern)
Bradley Beal (G) – Out for Season (Hip)
Yanic Konan Niederhauser (C) – Out for Season (Foot – Lisfranc)
Isaiah Jackson (F/C) – Out (Ankle; re-evaluation April 12)
Garland’s availability is a boost to the backcourt, but the long-term absences thin depth in the frontcourt and wings.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Damian Lillard (G) – Out for Season (Achilles)
Jerami Grant (F) – Out (Calf)
Shaedon Sharpe (G) – Questionable (Calf)
Vit Krejci (G) – Questionable / Game-time decision (Calf)
Portland is already without key veterans; Sharpe and Krejci’s statuses will be monitored closely for backcourt and scoring depth.
Key Player Matchups
Kawhi Leonard / Clippers wings vs. Deni Avdija / Portland forwards: Leonard’s two-way impact remains elite when healthy; Avdija has been Portland’s leading scorer in recent games and provides length on defense.
Darius Garland (LAC) vs. Scoot Henderson (POR): Garland’s playmaking and shooting could exploit Portland’s depleted backcourt, while Henderson’s speed creates transition opportunities.
Clippers bigs (e.g., Ivica Zubac / available frontcourt) vs. Donovan Clingan / Robert Williams III (POR): Portland’s young bigs offer rim protection and rebounding, but Los Angeles’ experience could prevail in half-court sets.
Bench scoring (Clippers depth vs. Portland reserves): With multiple Portland injuries, Los Angeles’ secondary scoring (if healthy) could prove decisive in a tight contest.
The game likely hinges on Portland’s home energy versus Los Angeles’ veteran poise and road momentum.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
The teams have split the season series 2-1 in favor of the Clippers entering this matchup:
March 31, 2026: Portland 114, LA Clippers 104 (at LA)
December 26, 2025: LA Clippers 119, Portland 103 (at Portland)
October 26, 2025: LA Clippers 114, Portland 107 (at LA)
All three meetings have been competitive, with the most recent Portland win snapping a Clippers streak. Historically, the Clippers hold a slight edge in recent seasons, but Portland has owned the Moda Center in this matchup cycle.
Betting Trends
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games and strong at home in close contests.
Clippers are riding a road winning streak but have been 1-1 ATS as slight underdogs recently.
Totals have gone under in several recent head-to-heads; both teams trend toward lower-scoring games when playoff implications are high.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Clippers 227.5
Portland Trail Blazers – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026
