The Los Angeles Clippers (0-0) open the 2016-2017 NBA Season with a game against the Portland Trail Blazers (1-0) at the Moda Center in Portland on Oct. 27, Thursday.
Start Time and Streaming Info
The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET. It can be viewed live online thru the NBA League Pass.
Preview
Head coach Doc Rivers and the Clippers wish that this could finally be the season they can go deeper in the playoffs during the Big Three's era. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan are all healthy to start their campaign with shooting guard JJ Redick and a host of small forwards to support them.
Paul and Griffin are set to become free agents at the end of the season so there is an atmosphere within the team that this is the Big Three's "last chance" to compete for a title as next summer would be uncertain, according to Sports Chat Place.
On paper, Rivers' squad is arguably the second-best starting unit behind the Golden State Warriors' super team. The key thing for the Clippers would be their bench play throughout the season. If their bench could contribute consistently, then there is a chance that they could challenge the Warriors and Spurs in the West.
The acquisitions of Marreese Speights and Brandon Bass during the offseason greatly helps improve their frontcourt depth. In the backcourt, three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee Jamal Crawford is still there while Austin Rivers and Raymond Felton support Paul at the point.
The small forward spot is also crucial for the Clips as Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Alan Anderson, Wesley Johnson, and Paul Pierce are expected to rotate.
Meanwhile, the Blazers opened their season with a bang as Damian Lillard fired 39 points to lead his team to a 113-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, as per ESPN. Lillard also had nine rebounds and six assists in an outstanding all-around game.
His backcourt partner, CJ McCollum, was also brilliant with 25 points, two boards, and three assists while backup shooting guard Allen Crabbe came off the bench to contribute 18 points, three boards, and three assists.
It was the 16th straight opening game win for the Blazers, an NBA record.
Prediction
This game is hard to predict as Portland is a tough team when playing at home but Los Angeles is eager to begin their season on a high note. A close game is anticipated with Paul and the Clippers prevailing.
