The Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers will meet tonight in the first of their two-game series at the Moda Center, 10:00 PM ET. Clippers (42-25) are currently reeling from 4 out of 5 losses in the past few games, of course raising questions and eyebrows. Of the 4 losses, 3 were against the Timberwolves, Bucks and the Pelicans. However, the most recent one was against the Hawks, which surprisingly is a team the Trail Blazers beat a week ago.

On the other hand, the Trail Blazers will have their home advantage, playing against the Clippers. Although, their recent road trip did not produce satisfying results, with their most recent loss against the Bulls, 110-107. Yet the Clippers might just win tonight since Portland is a little undermanned.

Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Clippers – Injury Report

The Clippers are entering tonight’s clash with two of its player’s status under a cloud. They will be playing without Terance Mann, who is listed as “probable” because of his shoulder injury. And then, on the other hand, Norman Powell is also listed as “questionable” because of a lower leg injury. Even though the team has struggled this month with a 6-4 win-loss ratio, they need to win this one to go ahead this season. So, even though Mann and Powell aren’t going to be playing, they still can rely on the abilities of their superstar trio.

On the other hand, the Blazers will be without Malcolm Brogdon, who is “out” because of an elbow injury, and then Matisse Thybulle (ankle) and Jerami Grant (hamstring) are both “questionable” and “doubtful” respectively. Jerami has missed 7 of the last 9 games because of his hamstring and right quad injuries.

The Clippers’ identity crisis

It is extremely hard to picture the Clips going through an “identity crisis”. That’s the recent trend where analysts and fans feel they are going through one right now. They have the right amount of talent and experience. But the major problem with the team is they are not living up to their potential, as is evident in the last few games. There are nights when Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Paul George go “beast” in their games, and then on some nights, they just glide through.

Defensively, they are okay at the moment, with 113.6 points per game. They might as well find a solution tonight with their offense against the Blazers, who are at 22nd spot in the defensive ratings, and then in the bottom 10 in the entire league. Despite missing Powell and Mann, they might as well rely on the remaining star trio to get them a win. Harden and George will have to do something to make it tonight. But then again, with Russell Westbrook’s injury, of course, their recent slowdown is understandable.

The Clippers do have a star-studded lineup, along with Ivica Zubac, the former second-round pick who needs to step up his game too. He is averaging 8.4 points, shooting 65% from the field, but he needs to work on his rebounds to support the trio and get a thunderous win.

After this matchup, the Blazers will buck up to host the reigning champions, the Nuggets on Saturday, before going on their 7-game road trip. Stay tuned for more updates on the Clippers vs Blazers showdown!

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