The Clippers, minus Kawhi Leonard, have shown heart. They just haven't shown victories. LA is 0-2 for the first time in 11 years.
A slow start from the Clippers was not unexpected since they don't have Leonard and the new starters didn't log much time together during preseason.
Still, the Clippers nearly beat the Warriors on the road coming from 19 points down before losing, 115-113. The Clippers fell behind the Grizzlies by 16 points yet made a comeback before falling, 120-114.
So LA has fight. The Clippers just need to knock down more shots because they've had open looks. I expect that to happen here against the Trail Blazers, who aren't good defensively and didn't look good in preseason.
This is Portland's first road game of the season. The Trail Blazers are 0-4 ATS during their last four road games against the Clippers. LA has the backcourt defenders in Reggie Jackson and Eric Bledsoe to keep Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in check.
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