Analyzing Potential Playoff Matchups for the Portland Trail Blazers
By Jakob Ashlin
LA Clippers
Lost in the shuffle are the LA Clippers. The Clippers are only a half of a game behind the sixth-place Utah Jazz. It is entirely possible that the Clippers could topple the Jazz for the sixth seed and the Blazers obtain the third seed.
On the surface, this matchup is enticing. The Clippers do not have a superstar on their roster, and the Blazers would be the clear favorites.
However, there are some clear matchup concerns. The Blazers have dominated teams with their offensive prowess, but they are still very vulnerable on defense. The Clippers are one of the few teams that could outscore the Blazers. The Clippers are sixth in the NBA in points per game and second in three-point percentage.
The Blazers have also thrived as of late due to their depth, but the Clippers have the best second unit in the league led by Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. Not to mention, tough players like Patrick Beverley will not lose without a fight.
Nevertheless, the Blazers won the season series 2-1 and have easily the best player on the floor in Lillard to rely on. The Blazers would absolutely be favorites, but a series with the Clippers would be much more difficult than it appears on the surface.
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