Game 56: Blazers-Clippers, 7:00pm

Blazers
 31-24 Analysis Clippers
 21-31
PG
Baron Davis has been very streaky lately on offense. I've always felt that he too easily loses interest in a game if it's not going exactly his way. The Clippers have been one of most disappointing teams this season, and it starts here.
Andre Miller has been in need of a nice break and the All-Star game was just the remedy. I think he will come out shooting and passing well but with the recent trade, Davis will play inspired basketball. Clippers win here.
PG
SG
In two games against the Clippers this season, Eric Gordon has been one of the biggest thorns in the side of the Blazers' defense. He's a tremendous shooter who can score in bunches. He hit a handful of threes in each game and will be someone to keep an eye on.
Despite Gordon's ability to frustrate Blazer defenders, I like Martell Webster and Jerryd Bayless at home. I think fresh legs will be huge and both guys will be looking to capitalize on perhaps their last opportunity for significant minutes at 2-guard. Blazers win the match-up.
SG
SF
One of the other big problems with the Clippers has been the poor play of Al Thornton. Last season, he was a force to be reckoned with offensively, but this year his numbers are way down and he's been coming off the bench.
Nic Batum seemed to reinjure his shoulder last week against the Suns, but it seemingly was nothing too serious. I expect him to come out at the Rose Garden and pick up where he left off. He's still young but also very capable of being a great scoring option in this game. He and Rudy win here.
SF
PF
UPDATE : Camby has been reportedly traded to Portland for Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw, so none of those players will likely play tonight. Camby has been named in some possible trades to Portland, and for good reason. He's a great defender, will fill the center position, and he's a free agent after this season. LaMarcus had been playing tremendous lately and with Camby likely not playing, he'll win this match-up easily.
PF
C
One of the more underrated centers, Chris Kaman, will be the biggest mismatch for Portland in this game. While he's played well in the two previous games against Portland, I'm surprised he hasn't put up even bigger numbers.
Considering the size and skill in the opponent, I don't see Juwan Howard or Jeff Pendergraph doing a whole lot on the boards or offensively. This could be where the game is really won or lost. The Blazers need a win before facing a few tough teams; they will prevail in the Rose Garden.
C
Blazers 31-24	Analysis	Clippers 21-31
PG	Baron Davis has been very streaky lately on offense. I've always felt that he too easily loses interest in a game if it's not going exactly his way. The Clippers have been one of most disappointing teams this season, and it starts here. Andre Miller has been in need of a nice break and the All-Star game was just the remedy. I think he will come out shooting and passing well but with the recent trade, Davis will play inspired basketball. Clippers win here.	PG
SG	In two games against the Clippers this season, Eric Gordon has been one of the biggest thorns in the side of the Blazers' defense. He's a tremendous shooter who can score in bunches. He hit a handful of threes in each game and will be someone to keep an eye on. Despite Gordon's ability to frustrate Blazer defenders, I like Martell Webster and Jerryd Bayless at home. I think fresh legs will be huge and both guys will be looking to capitalize on perhaps their last opportunity for significant minutes at 2-guard. Blazers win the match-up.	SG
SF	One of the other big problems with the Clippers has been the poor play of Al Thornton. Last season, he was a force to be reckoned with offensively, but this year his numbers are way down and he's been coming off the bench. Nic Batum seemed to reinjure his shoulder last week against the Suns, but it seemingly was nothing too serious. I expect him to come out at the Rose Garden and pick up where he left off. He's still young but also very capable of being a great scoring option in this game. He and Rudy win here.	SF
PF	UPDATE : Camby has been reportedly traded to Portland for Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw, so none of those players will likely play tonight. Camby has been named in some possible trades to Portland, and for good reason. He's a great defender, will fill the center position, and he's a free agent after this season. LaMarcus had been playing tremendous lately and with Camby likely not playing, he'll win this match-up easily.	PF
C	One of the more underrated centers, Chris Kaman, will be the biggest mismatch for Portland in this game. While he's played well in the two previous games against Portland, I'm surprised he hasn't put up even bigger numbers. Considering the size and skill in the opponent, I don't see Juwan Howard or Jeff Pendergraph doing a whole lot on the boards or offensively. This could be where the game is really won or lost. The Blazers need a win before facing a few tough teams; they will prevail in the Rose Garden.	C