Game Thread GAME# 21: BLAZERS @ CLIPPERS - DECEMBER 3, 2019 - TUESDAY, 7:00 PM, TNT

[Darkwebs]

2019-20 REGULAR SEASON RECORD
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
8 - 12
(5-8 Road)
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
14 - 6
(11-1 Home)


_____________________________
---------PROBABLE STARTERS---------

PG

DAMIAN LILLARD VS PATRICK BEVERLEY

SG

CJ McCOLLUM VS PAUL GEORGE

SF

RODNEY HOOD VS KAWHI LEONARD

PF

CARMELO ANTHONY VS MAURICE HARKLESS

C

HASSAN WHITESIDE VS IVICA ZUBAC


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------- JERSEYS -------

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WHEN: 7:00 PM (PST), TUESDAY, 12/3/2019

WHERE: STAPLES CENTER, LOS ANGELES, CA

TV BROADCAST:

RADIO BROADCAST:

​

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--------------BENCH--------------
- PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS -

SIMONS , BAZEMORE , TRENT Jr.

LITTLE , HEZONJA , HOARD

TOLLIVER , LABISSIERE , BROWN


- LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS-

WALTON Jr. , WILLIAMS , ROBINSON

McGRUDER , SHAMET , MANN

COFFEY , GREEN , HARRELL

PATTERSON , MOTLEY , KABENGELE


INJURIES
TRAIL BLAZERS
Gary Trent Jr. (right hamstring strain): QUESTIONABLE
Zach Collins (dislocated left shoulder): OUT
Jusuf Nurkic (left leg): OUT
CLIPPERS
Rodney McGruder (right hamstring strain): QUESTIONABLE
Landry Shamet (ankle): QUESTIONABLE



HEAD COACHES

- VS –

TERRY STOTTS --- DOC RIVERS

OFFICIAL CLIPPERS' GAME NOTES
OFFICIAL BLAZERS' GAME NOTES ​

• Tuesday’s game will be the second of three meetings between the Trail Blazers and the Clippers during the 2019-2020 season. The Clippers lead the season series, 1-0.

• LAST MEETING: The Clippers took down the Trail Blazers, 107-101, on Nov. 7 in Los Angeles. Portland was led by Damian Lillard’s 22 points (9-23 FG, 3-10 3-PT, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 27 points (9-23 FG, 0-5 3-PT, 9-10 FT), 13 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

• CJ McCollum finished with 22 points (9-23 FG, 1-6 3-PT, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds and three assists at the Clippers on Nov. 7.

• Hassan Whiteside had 17 points (7-18 FG, 3-4 FT), 19 rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes at the Clippers on Nov. 7.

• Lou Williams recorded 26 points (7-16 FG, 1-3 3-PT, 11-12 FT), three rebounds, eight assists and three blocks in 29 minutes against the Trail Blazers on Nov. 7.

• HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY:
ALL TIME: Trail Blazers lead, 147-79
IN PORTLAND: Trail Blazers lead, 88-24
AT THE CLIPPERS: Trail Blazers lead, 59-55

 

[Darkwebs]

Here it is, the greatest challenge Portland has faced this season. Why do I say that?

Because the Blazers are wearing those accursed jerseys yet again; the same jersey in which Oden broke his knee cap; the same jersey in which the Blazers is 0 for 6 this season.

They've worn these Classic jerseys the most out of all their other jerseys this season, and yet they are winless in these (they are the only Blazers jersey that is winless this year).

 

[Darkwebs]

Seriously though, this is the biggest game of the season thus far, with the biggest stakes, facing some of the biggest stars in the NBA, against the coach with the biggest mouth, and all of this on the biggest stage: national TV in primetime.

The Blazers are currently riding high on their longest win-streak of the season (3 victories), but they haven't faced a duo this dynamic and talented yet. Kawhi and George are two too-talented, two-way wings. They are a force on both offense and defense.

The Clippers also have the perfect foil for Lillard in the ever-pesky Patrick Beverley.

Also worth mentioning is that Harkless has moved into the Clippers' starting line-up. We know Moe will decide to play hard, if only for one game, hoping to get revenge against his former team for casting him away this past summer.

And at the center position, the Clipper will trot out Ivica Zubac to start the game. He's a Euro big man, and like all Euro big men, he's incredibly annoying to play against.

Off the bench, L.A. has two dangerous players in Sweet-Shooting Lou Wiliams, and Montrezl (spellcheck, please) Harrell.

As you can see, the Clipper are stacked with talent. So this won't be a walk in the park for the Blazers. No, it'll be more like a walk up a steep hill on roller skates, especially when you factor in that this game will be played in L.A.

On the bright side, the Blazers have Whiteside, who was a beast last game with 10 blocks. That's more rejections that I received in high school during homecoming week.

In addition, Portland will have a full 3 days off to recuperate and prepare for this battle.

Can't wait to watch this game. It's gonna be epic.

Hopefully not an epic fail on Portland's part.

 

[KingSpeed]

This game is huge. New Look Blazers on TNT.

 

[Strenuus]

Now, if we win this game then ill believe.

Not in the coach. Hes awful. But the team yes. It'll show they have tuned him out like they should. Maybe theyve learned hes awful like i have.

 

[blazerkor]

We get this game on three days rest. I think the rest will be good for Dame and his three point shot. If Dame is hitting the three it will give us the floor spacing we need for the offense to really flow. I think it's possible that we'll out score the Clips and win this game to keep this win streak alive.

Oh, also FUCK Patrick Beverly. I hope Dame hangs 40+ on him.

 

[RipCity4Life0]

I hope we get Motivated Hassan for this game instead of the lazy version

 

[Bruno_Sabino]

Big game

 

[stampedehero]

Here it is, the greatest challenge Portland has faced this season. Why do I say that?

Because the Blazers are wearing those accursed jerseys yet again; the same jersey in which Oden broke his knee cap; the same jersey in which the Blazers is 0 for 6 this season.

They've worn these Classic jerseys the most out of all their other jerseys this season, and yet they are winless in these (they are the only Blazers jersey that is winless this year).

Burn those rags. I want wins and that is a sound superstition.

 

[stampedehero]

I hope we get Motivated Hassan for this game instead of the lazy version

The Bulls game may have pinched him and he is aware for now. Maybe Carmelo inspired him to get out of the funk.

 

[Cugel]

Don't forget how much George hates Portland after The Dagger...wait maybe he loves the blazers. Moe should be grateful too. His popularity has never been higher.

The bench has to seriously bring it if Portland is to have a chance. Ant that means you! I look to Baze to be super annoying for the clippers too. Bench has to show up and Ant and Skal have to be in dd scoring.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

@Darkwebs where is the screw LA option...

 

[Scalma]

The bench has to seriously bring it if Portland is to have a chance. Ant that means you! I look to Baze to be super annoying for the clippers too. Bench has to show up and Ant and Skal have to be in dd scoring.

 

[TBpup]

The bench has to seriously bring it if Portland is to have a chance. Ant that means you! I look to Baze to be super annoying for the clippers too. Bench has to show up and Ant and Skal have to be in dd scoring.

Ant vs Williams for much of the time when Simons is on the floor. That has the feel of impeding doom.

 

[DDolla]

No Good Clippers! Let’s Go Blazers.

 

[TBpup]

Lillard vs Beverly - Beverly seems to bring out the best in Dame....and the Blazers will need that in this game.
McCollum vs George - CJ will have to score a bunch (efficiently) to even out everything else George does.
Hood vs Leonard - Hood can be really good and still lose this matchup....no shame in that. Kawhi is one of the best.
Anthony vs Harkless - Anthony's first 'big game' for Portland. Harkless will be amped up against his former team.
Whiteside vs Zubac - Hopefully a big mismatch for the Blazers, they will need 'engaged' Hassan this game.

The Bench - This could get ugly which is why the starters have to be so good. Williams and Harrell have no equal on the Blazers side to counteract what they will do. Just have to limit the damage as much as possible.

 

[wizenheimer]

Portland is 1-7 against teams with winning records, and have lost 6 straight. This game is an important gauge for the Blazers

 

[CupWizier]

Now, if we win this game then ill believe.

Not in the coach. Hes awful. But the team yes. It'll show they have tuned him out like they should. Maybe theyve learned hes awful like i have.

smh. The players love Stotts, plays hard for Stotts and listen to him. Whatever you have learned is unfounded.

 

[Cugel]

cliche but this is a must win to gauge where the team stands with this lineup i.e. melo.
super hard game with KL and PG.
likely that tolliver will see minutes to defend/annoy.

Could any team be outstanding with only 2 returning starters in dame and cj?? Hood came off the bench typically . LA dont count since those are two top 5 or top 3 players in LBJ and AD. Really both really have legit shots for MVP. Take your pick.
I cannot imagine many coaches would want to trade places with stotts since this team is pretty close to brand new. I do think we are seeing the team start to get and that's why this game will be a litmus test.

 

[JoshuaHall]

Lillard vs Beverly - Beverly seems to bring out the best in Dame....and the Blazers will need that in this game.
McCollum vs George - CJ will have to score a bunch (efficiently) to even out everything else George does.
Hood vs Leonard - Hood can be really good and still lose this matchup....no shame in that. Kawhi is one of the best.
Anthony vs Harkless - Anthony's first 'big game' for Portland. Harkless will be amped up against his former team.
Whiteside vs Zubac - Hopefully a big mismatch for the Blazers, they will need 'engaged' Hassan this game.

The Bench - This could get ugly which is why the starters have to be so good. Williams and Harrell have no equal on the Blazers side to counteract what they will do. Just have to limit the damage as much as possible.

Anthony should abuse Harkless and Harkless can be amped all he wants. He’s not good at anything offensively.

and McCollum is in the same boat as Hood imo

 

[THE HCP]

Anthony should abuse Harkless and Harkless can be amped all he wants. He’s not good at anything offensively.

and McCollum is in the same boat as Hood imo

Bro, Mo is a quality defender.

 

[Strenuus]

smh. The players love Stotts, plays hard for Stotts and listen to him. Whatever you have learned is unfounded.

What i have learned is right. Thats the difference.

 

[CupWizier]

What i have learned is right. Thats the difference.

based on what? You are neither right or wrong as it's simply just your opinion based on limited info. I'll trust the players much more than anyone on this forum and the results with Stotts have been solid. Do you really think you know about Stotts more than the players?

 

[JoshuaHall]

Bro, Mo is a quality defender.

I said he’s not good at anything offensively.

And defensively he’s a bit overrated, but solid. Melo has too much size for him. And frankly, just too good of an offensive repertoire.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Bro, Mo is a quality defender.

One on one, LAC has so many guys who can play straight up, real key to this game is gonna be moving the ball, if their plan is to go one on one (or 5) thats not gonna work out very well. Ball movement and working for good shots is gonna be a big factor.

 

[Labinot41]

So Rachel Nichols is in Portland today for an Interview with Melo, wonder if it's with Dame and CJ too

 

[Blazers1977]

Lillard vs Beverly - Beverly seems to bring out the best in Dame....and the Blazers will need that in this game.
McCollum vs George - CJ will have to score a bunch (efficiently) to even out everything else George does.
Hood vs Leonard - Hood can be really good and still lose this matchup....no shame in that. Kawhi is one of the best.
Anthony vs Harkless - Anthony's first 'big game' for Portland. Harkless will be amped up against his former team.
Whiteside vs Zubac - Hopefully a big mismatch for the Blazers, they will need 'engaged' Hassan this game.

The Bench - This could get ugly which is why the starters have to be so good. Williams and Harrell have no equal on the Blazers side to counteract what they will do. Just have to limit the damage as much as possible.

zubac dominated Hassan last game

that was the game when Charles and Shaq started shit talking Hassan and saying he’s robbing the blazers if 20 million

 

[kjironman1]

The Clippers are loaded. Better starting five and better bench. This game is in LA also.
On the positive side the Blazers will have had 3 full days off. On the negative Clippers are on a day of rest also.
Blazers need to come out swingin and put them in a hole early if they can?

 

[Scalma]

Important development: Nas cut his hair.

 

[GrandpaBlaze]

Important development: Nas cut his hair.

Less weight, he'll jump higher.

Less wind resistance, he'll run faster.

All good.