Two of the more exciting teams in the NBA will go at it tonight as the Portland Trail Blazers battle the Los Angeles Clippers at the STAPLES Center. This evening's meeting between the Western Conference rivals is scheduled to get underway at 10:30pm ET. Wednesday's opening NBA Betting Odds are favoring the hosting Clippers at -8 against the spread; the game total is set at 215 points.

The Trail Blazers, while a solid 17-10 road team, are in a difficult spot this evening as they are coming off a Tuesday night home game against division rival Oklahoma City and facing a team in the Clippers that is 22-4 at the STAPLES Center this season.

To make matters worse, Portland fell 95-98 to the Thunder last night, giving the team its fifth loss in its last eight games. 

Los Angeles, meanwhile, is well rested, having played its last three games at home and it last took the floor on Sunday when it pasted a horrible Sixers squad 123-78.

The Clippers, who are 36-18 overall and four games ahead of the second place Warriors in the Pacific standings, also saw the return of Chris Paul in the Philadelphia game. Paul, who had missed 18 games with a shoulder injury, played 23 minutes against the 76ers; he finished the night with seven points, eight assists, and four steals.

Tonight will mark the second meeting of the season between these two squads. Portland won the first clash, scoring a 116-112 overtime victory at the Moda Center on December 26th. LaMarcus Aldridge had 32 points and 10 rebounds for the Blazers while Blake Griffin and Chris Paul combined for 69 points, 14 rebounds, 17 assists, and seven steals for L.A. in the loss.

The Clippers had won five of their previous six meetings with the Trail Blazers prior to their December showdown in the City of Roses.

Notable Trends: The Over is 5-0 in the Clippers last five games as a home favorite when coming off three straight home games.

NBA Betting Odds Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Clippers:

Portland Trail Blazers +8 (-110), Over 215 (-110), +300 (Moneyline)

Los Angeles Clippers -8 (-110), Under 215 (-110), -380 (Moneyline)

Free NBA Picks: Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers
What pro basketball bettors need to know about Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday (2/12/14) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Steve Fezzik.

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