Portland Trail Blazers at LA Clippers: Game preview, prediction, time, TV channel, how to watch free live stream online

The last time the Portland Trail Blazers played at the LA Clippers, they lost 123-111 in a game that wasn’t really that close, and Anfernee Simons injured his right thumb and would be lost for 18 games.

Simons returned last week back but now out is Jerami Grant while the status of Deandre Ayton and Malcolm Brogdon remains up in the air.

As for the Clippers, they added James Harden in a trade with Philadelphia and after a rough start, have seemingly worked out the kinks.

The Clippers have won three games in a row and eight out of their last 11 since starting the season 3-7. They key has been the Clippers’ defense. During their recent 11-game stretch, they ranked second in defensive rating (108.2) and 14th in offensive rating (113.9).

They’ve recently won 111-102 over Denver (14-8) and 107-88 over Dallas (12-8).

Teams with elite length and size present a horrible matchup for the Blazers. The Clippers, with 6-foot-7 Kawhi Leonard, 6-8 Paul George and 7-0 Ivica Zubac, were a huge problem for the Blazers to contend with in the opener. And that was with Grant and Ayton in the lineup.

Should Ayton miss a third consecutive game, the Blazers would seemingly lack the size and experience to compete. Even if they do play, it would take a great effort on the Blazers part to win.

Prediction: The Clippers should win regardless of what the Blazers’ lineup ultimately looks like. But Portland has little chance to pull off the upset should Ayton and Brogdon both sit out along with Grant.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT LA CLIPPERS

What: Trail Blazers (6-15) at Clippers (11-10), 7:30 p.m., Monday.

Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles.

Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).

TV channel: Root Sports (in Portland: Comcast 734; DirecTV: 687) and Root Sports PLUS (in Portland: Comcast 1253; DirecTV: 688).

Watch the game live online: You can watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial). You can also get this game on DirecTV Stream’s “CHOICE” package (promotional offers), if you are out of fuboTV trials, or simply prefer that platform and their pricing plans. If you already have a cable or satellite provider that carries Root Sports and want to watch online, you can watch this game live on Root Sports Live.

ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)

Moneyline: POR +600 | LAC -900

Spread: POR +13 | Over/Under: 220

INJURIES

Blazers: Malcolm Brogdon (right knee soreness) and Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness) are questionable. Jerami Grant (concussion protocol), Ish Wainright (right MCL strain) and Robert Williams III (season-ending right knee surgery) are out.

Clippers: Moussa Diabate (left hip soreness) and Mason Plumlee (left MCL sprain) are out.

NEXT UP

The Blazers return home to play a 7 p.m. game, Thursday against the Utah Jazz (7-15).