The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on Wednesday evening.
The Clippers (6-1) are coming off a dominating 114-82 victory over the Pistons on Monday night, in which they led 91-53 after three quarters. Chris Paul led the way with 24 points, eight assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block, in only 25 minutes. J.J. Redick chipped in 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep. The Clippers have been looking very strong to start this season but as they have seen in past seasons, it will be their ability to sustain that really matters. They have won three straight and will look to extend that streak as they take on the Blazers who will be on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Trail Blazers (5-3) are coming off a big win home-win against the Suns on Tuesday night that saw 74 points scored in the fourth quarter between two high powered offenses. Damian Lillard made sure he would not be out-scored by a teammate two games in a row by turning it on late and finishing with 38 points, after C.J. McCollum got off to a brilliant start, on his way to 33 points. Al-Farouq Aminu Tuesday’s contest and will be out on Wednesday as well, with a strained calf. The Clippers won the first meeting 114-106 at Moda Center on October 27th.
