Western Conference contenders from last season will square off Thursday as the Los Angeles Clippers host the Portland Trail Blazers at the Staples Center.
The Clippers are heading to the game with momentum after winning 130–95 over the defending National Basketball Association (NBA) champions Golden State Warriors last Tuesday.
Golden State played without some of its key players like reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stephen Curry and last season's Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.
Still, it was a huge win for Lob City; along with beating the champs, they also ended a three-game preseason losing streak.
All-Star forward Blake Griffin and reserve guard Austin Rivers led the Clippers, scoring 29 and 16 points, respectively.
Starting guard J.J. Redick contributed 15 points, while forward Josh Smith and guard Jamal Crawford had 13 points each off the bench to help Los Angeles.
Another notable performance was from center DeAndre Jordan who tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, four steals, and one block.
The game against the Blazers will be the final for the Clippers this preseason as they will open their 2015–16 regular season on Oct. 28 facing the Sacramento Kings.
Portland, on the other hand, is coming off a 104–102 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in its last preseason game held last Monday.
The Blazers were defeated by a last second jam from Lakers forward Ryan Kelly, who, after receiving the ball, saw no rim defender and went directly to the basket for the easy finish to seal the win.
All-Star point guard Damian Lillard scored 20 points, also having three rebounds, six assists, and one steal to lead Portland in the loss.
Offseason trade acquisition forward Maurice Harkless aided Lillard with 15 points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block; but it was not enough.
Following the preseason game against the Clippers, Portland will prep for the team's season opener on Oct. 28 hosting the New Orleans Pelicans.
The preseason clash between the Clippers and Blazers will take place today, Oct. 22, starting at 10:30 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
