Blazers Rout Wizards, Eye Clippers Matchup

Portland's interim coach looks ahead after latest win over struggling team.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:23am by Ben Kaplan

The Portland Trail Blazers easily defeated the Washington Wizards in their latest game, and interim head coach Tiago Splitter used the postgame press conference to shift the team's focus towards their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Why it matters

The Blazers have been on a roll lately, stringing together wins against several teams that are out of playoff contention. With the Clippers next on the schedule, this game represents an opportunity for Portland to measure itself against a top Western Conference contender and potentially make a statement as the regular season winds down.

The details

Splitter praised his team's performance against the Wizards, highlighting their ability to execute the game plan and play with energy from start to finish. However, the interim coach was quick to turn the conversation towards the Clippers, acknowledging that the upcoming matchup will be a true test for the Blazers as they look to solidify their position in the playoff race.

  • The Blazers defeated the Wizards on March 30, 2026.
  • Portland will face the Clippers in their next game on April 2, 2026.

The players

Tiago Splitter

The interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, who took over the team earlier this season.

Portland Trail Blazers

An NBA team based in Portland, Oregon that is currently in the midst of a playoff push.

Washington Wizards

An NBA team that is out of playoff contention and has been struggling this season.

Los Angeles Clippers

An NBA team based in Los Angeles that is considered a top contender in the Western Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Time to start thinking about the Clippers. That's going to be a big one for us.”

— Tiago Splitter, Interim Head Coach, Portland Trail Blazers

What’s next

The Blazers will face the Clippers on April 2, 2026, in a matchup that could have significant playoff implications for both teams.

The takeaway

The Blazers' recent run of success against weaker opponents has them feeling confident heading into a crucial showdown with the Clippers. This game will serve as a litmus test for Portland's playoff aspirations and provide a glimpse into how they might fare against top Western Conference contenders.