The Los Angeles Clippers prepare for an important showdown with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Los Angeles Clippers travel to take on the Portland Trail Blazers in a game with major playoff implications on Friday.
The Clippers dropped their last game to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 128-110. The loss snapped a two game win streak. They are 7-3 in their last ten games and 41-39 overall. They are eighth in the West, one game better than the Blazers.
The Blazers have lost two straight, losing 112-101 to the Spurs in their last contest. They are 6-4 in their last ten and 40-40 overall. They trail the Clippers by one game, but a win against the Clippers would give them the tiebreak advantage.
The Clippers lead the season series 2-1. A Clippers victory gives them the tiebreaker as they would win the season series 3-1. A Blazers victory evens the series at 2-2, and Blazers would have the tiebreaker as they have the better conference record.
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report
Isaiah Jackson remains OUT with a right ankle sprain. He's been sidelined since March 27. On April 2, it was reported that Jackson would be reevaluted in one week, but there have been no further updates on his status. He is averaging 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 17 games, all off the bench, with the Clippers.
Bradley Beal is OUT after undergoing season-ending surgery for a hip fracture in November. He played in just six games this season, averaging 8.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser is OUT after suffering a right linsfranc ligament tear on March 4 that ended his season. The rookie finishes the year averaging 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 41 games.
Darius Garland is off the injury report after sitting against the Thunder as it was a back-to-back game. He is expected to start alongside Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn, Brook Lopez, and Derrick Jones Jr.
Portland Trail Blazers Injury Report
Vit Krejci is QUESTIONABLE with a left calf contusion. He's been out since March 15. He's averaging 7.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, but shooting jsut 30% from three in 18 games with the Clippers.
Shaedon Sharpe is QUESTIONABLE with a left fibula stress reaction. He has not played since February 6. In 48 games this season, he's averaging 21.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
Jerami Grant is OUT with a right calf strain. He's been sidelined since March 27 and there is no timetable for his return.
Damian Lillard is OUT with left Achilles tendon injury management. He underwent surgery in the offseason and will not play this season or in the playoffs.