Sat Dec 27 02:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Portland Trail Blazers (12-18) are set to face the struggling Los Angeles Clippers (8-21) tonight in the second game of their homestand. The Clippers, despite having stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, have been plagued by off-court issues and injuries, leading to a disappointing season. The Blazers will try to capitalize on the Clippers’ weaknesses by pushing the pace and leveraging their rotation depth. Portland is looking for redemption after recent close losses. The Clippers, despite their struggles, remain committed to their core players and hope to improve once Derrick Jones Jr. returns from injury.

News Article:

Blazers Aim to Exploit Tumultuous Clippers as Homestand Continues

Portland, OR – The Portland Trail Blazers (12-18) will host the Los Angeles Clippers (8-21) tonight at 7 PM Pacific, looking to capitalize on the Clippers’ current state of disarray. Despite boasting star power in Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the Clippers have been mired in both on and off-court drama, leading to a disappointing 8-21 record.

Injuries, including those to key players like Ivica Zubac and Bradley Beal, have compounded the Clippers’ problems. Internal strife seems to plague the team. With no clear path forward, the Clippers seem to be relying on Kawhi Leonard playing at his inhuman efficiency, as evidenced by his recent 41 point performance against the Rockets.

The Blazers, conversely, are seeking redemption after recent heartbreaking losses. Despite a long list of injuries of their own, Portland intends to push the pace and exploit the Clippers’ tendency to slow the game down. Earlier in the season, the Blazers were succeeding by taking a high volume of shots, a strategy they will need to revive to overcome the Clippers’ individual talent.

Despite the Clippers’ struggles, the team’s front office remains committed to its core of Leonard, Harden, and Zubac, dismissing recent trade rumors. They reportedly believe that the return of Derrick Jones Jr. from injury will provide a needed boost and allow them to contend for a play-in spot. Whether the Clippers will be able to turn things around remains to be seen, but the Blazers will aim to put the hurt on the team tonight in front of a home crowd.

Injury Report: Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant, Damian Lillard, Blake Wesley, and Matisse Thybulle are out for Portland. Ivica Zubac, Bradley Beal, and Derrick Jones Jr. are out for Los Angeles.

Read More