Free NBA Playoffs Pick: Clippers vs. Blazers Lines
Looking for Portland Trail Blazers vs. LA Clippers free playoff picks? NBA betting sees the Blazers taking on the Clippers on Wednesday April 27, 2016 at STAPLES Center Los Angeles, California. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball playoff matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions.
(44-38) Portland Trail Blazers vs. LA Clippers (53-29)
Round 1: Game 5
Date: Wednesday April 27, 2016
Time: 9:00PM EST
Venue: STAPLES Arena in Los Angeles, California
NBA Moneyline Odds: Off
NBA Betting Odds: Blazers -2.5
NBA Betting Total: 197.5
Live NBA Odds
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As Game 4 came to a close, the entire complexion of this series had changed. Faced with the prospect of going back to L.A. on the brink of elimination the Blazers dug deep and tied the series at 2-2.
This loss was far from the biggest news of the night. Chris Paul, who has been one of the NBA’s best performers throughout the first round, broke a bone in his hand and will likely miss the rest of the playoffs.
Oh yeah, and if that wasn’t enough Blake Griffin is done for the season too. Time to start sweating in La La Land?
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have to be very happy with the outcome of this one. Not only did their opponent’s best player go down, but Portland finally got some significant contributions on offense from their role players.
Al-Farouq Aminu led all players in scoring with 30, after averaging 9.3 points per game through the first 3 games of the series. If he can continue to operate as a third option in the offense, the Blazers will have a much better chance to close out the series on top.
If the first four games of this series are any indication, the Blazers need low scoring games to win as their offense is usually concentrated among one of two individuals.
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Luckily, with no Chris Paul or Blake Griffin on the other side of the floow, that’s exactly the type of game we can likely expect.
Portland needs to exploit the same weaknesses that they possessed coming into the series. A significant advantage at the point guard position and a lack of interior scoring.
Funny how things can change so quickly but Portland is now sitting in the drivers seat and if they can take this one on the road, chances are good they can close out the series in Game 6 and earn themselves a date with the shorthanded Warriors.
LA Clippers
Devastating. There is no other words to describe the losses of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to the Clippers. The former was one of the most consistent and efficient players in the playoffs and his line of 23.8/4.0/7.3 will be sorely missed.
The latter, while not playing in peak form still represents the Clippers next best weapon.
Even more troubling than the loss of production is that the Clippers really don’t have another true point guard they can deploy to run the offense. Both Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford are shooting guards who will be forced into the role of primary ballhandler.
Whether or not they can distribute the ball effectively enough to get their teammates easy looks will go a long way in determining how deep the Clippers can go.
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The bench scoring was once again inconsistent. Jeff Green played substantial minutes for the first time this series and responded with 17 points on 50% shooting. He may be in for a more prominent role at the expense of Luc Mbah a Moute.
The incoming point guard tandem was not as lucky. Jamal Crawford contributed 12 points but it took him 15 shots to do so, while Austin Rivers shot only 1-7. The two combined for 5 assists and 4 turnovers.
The Clippers are in a lot of trouble here. With the momentum swung fully in the Blazers favour and team morale likely at an all time low, I think we might see the upset go down here.
Let’s see if the reserves can make the most of their opportunity and give the team a chance to take Portland down.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Trail Blazers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall
- Trail Blazers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win
- Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win
- Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400
- Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest
- Clippers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 vs. Western Conference
Free Portland Trail Blazers vs. LA Clippers NBA Prediction:
If you asked me this question 24 hours ago my answer would have been a resounding win for the Clippers, but right now their outlook is as bleak as any team in the legue. Who’s going to carry the load? I don’t think they have the firepower or the point guard play as currently constructed, so Portland steals this one on the road before heading home for Game 6.
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NBA Free Score Prediction: Blazers 95 – Clippers 84
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