Blazers, Clippers Set to Fill the Nets

Fresh off another 150-point explosion, the Los Angeles Clippers are ready to capitalize on one of their final home games of 2019 as they welcome the Portland Trail Blazers to Staples Center on Tuesday. The Clippers have been lights-out on offense, but face a difficult end to the calendar year with nine road outings in an 11-game stretch following Portland’s visit.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Clippers opened some eyes as 8.5-point Sportsbook line favorites, and immediately jumped to -9. It’s the fifth time this season the Blazers have received 5 or more points; they’re 2-2 ATS in the first four instances.

Portland News & Notes

While they still languish near the bottom of the league in most defensive metrics, the Blazers might be on the upswing. They’ve held three of their past four foes to 110 or fewer points (3-1 SU) to lower their season average for points against per game to 114.7 – and relief is on the way soon, with Portland playing 10 of 13 games at home following Tuesday’s visit to Staples Center.

And it isn’t like the Trail Blazers don’t do anything well on the defensive end; they rank seventh in three-point defense (33.8 percent) and have an ever-so-slight positive turnover differential for the year. But they’re the most undisciplined team in the NBA so far, allowing opposing teams to go to the line a league-high 28.3 times per game.

Los Angeles News & Notes

Fans and bettors knew Paul George would make a major impact in his return from injury, but few could have expected this. Not only are the Clippers 8-2 SU in 10 games with George in the lineup, but they also rank third in the NBA in scoring over that stretch with an average of 120.8 points per game. That includes a pair of 150-point showings, most recently in Sunday’s win over Washington.

But as good as the Clippers have been on the offensive end in that span, they could use some work on their defensive chops. They are allowing more than 110 points per game since George returned, ranking them in the lower half league-wide. Poor board work has been partly to blame, with Los Angeles surrendering the third-most offensive rebounds (12.4) in that span.

Betting Pick: OVER 230

Both teams can fill the basket and are dealing with the kinds of defensive deficiencies that could lead to plenty of extra scoring opportunities. Add in their top-10 pace ratings and we could have a track meet on our hands.