Portland Trail Blazers (8-13) vs. LA Clippers (13-9)
December 3, 2024 10:30 pm EDT
The Line: LA Clippers -8.5; Over/Under: +217.5
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LA Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers Player Prop Picks 12-3-24
This matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers highlights two teams in different phases of development. The Trail Blazers are focusing on youth, led by Anfernee Simons and rookie Scoot Henderson, who is a dynamic playmaker but is listed as questionable due to injury. Portland has struggled defensively, allowing over 113 points per game.
The Clippers, featuring Norman Powell and James Harden, bring experience and depth. Harden’s playmaking (8.8 assists per game) and Powell’s scoring make the Clippers favorites, particularly with their solid defensive metrics at home.
Norman Powell Over 17.5 Points
Norman Powell has been a key offensive force for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 23.6 points per game while shooting an efficient 49.2% from the field and an impressive 49.6% from three-point range. He also excels at the free-throw line, converting 83.1% of his attempts. Notable performances include a 37-point outburst against Denver on October 26, where he shot 14-for-21 from the field and 7-for-11 from beyond the arc, and a standout 31-point, 12-rebound game against Sacramento on November 8. Powell’s consistency and efficiency have made him a critical scoring option for the Clippers.
I’ve been extremely impressed with Norman Powell this season. The Clippers have needed someone to step up on the offensive side of the ball with Kawhi out and Powell has been that guy. We saw him put up 28 points in his last game against the Denver Nuggets. I expect him to have another big game against this Trailblazers team that isn’t impressive on defense.
Ivica Zubac Over 11.5 Rebounds
Ivica Zubac has been a dominant presence on the boards for the LA Clippers in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 12.4 rebounds per game. He secures 4.0 offensive rebounds and 8.3 defensive rebounds per contest while playing 32.7 minutes on average. Zubac has recorded several standout performances, including a 17-rebound effort against the Golden State Warriors on November 18 and a 16-rebound game against the Washington Wizards on November 27. His rebounding consistency has made him a key factor in the Clippers’ interior defense and second-chance scoring opportunities.
Zubac has been a premier rebounder in the whole NBA this season and has the stats to back it up. He’ll be matched up with Deandre Ayton who on the exterior looks tough but will get bullied by a guy like Zubac all game. The Trailblazers are giving up 55.5 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is the 3rd most in the league. Expect Zubac to have another big game on the glass.
James Harden Over 7.5 Assists
James Harden has been an effective playmaker for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 8.9 assists per game over 22 games played. His passing has been a key aspect of the Clippers’ offense, often setting up teammates for high-percentage shots. Harden has recorded several games with double-digit assists, including a standout performance with 16 assists against the Golden State Warriors on November 18, 2024.
Harden has been getting 8+ assists a game consistently all season long. He’s this Clippers team floor general and guys like Norman Powell are making there shots to help Harden fill up the stat sheet when it comes to an assist perspective. He has a favorable matchup going against the Trailblazers who’re giving up 27.4 assists per game to opposing teams.
