Clippers face 'biggest game of the year' in Portland

Coach Tyronn Lue stresses needing to beat the Trail Blazers, who beat them March 31 at Intuit Dome, and clinch the 8th seed for the Play-In Tournament.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:34pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball game between the Clippers and Trail Blazers, with the players' movements and the court's lines abstracted into a dynamic, cubist composition in shades of blue, red, and yellow.The high-stakes battle between the Clippers and Trail Blazers is rendered in a cubist style, capturing the intensity and drama of their crucial playoff clash.Portland Today

The Los Angeles Clippers are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers in a crucial game that will determine their playoff fate. The Clippers currently hold a one-game lead over the Trail Blazers in the standings, and a win on Friday would secure the eighth seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Coach Tyronn Lue has emphasized the importance of this game, calling it the 'biggest game of the year' for the team.

Why it matters

The Clippers' playoff hopes are on the line in this matchup, as a loss would mean they would need to win their final game against the Golden State Warriors and hope the Trail Blazers lose to the Sacramento Kings to avoid falling to the ninth seed. This game is crucial for the Clippers' postseason aspirations.

The details

The Clippers (41-39) currently hold a one-game lead over the Trail Blazers (40-40) in the standings. If the Clippers win on Friday, they will finish eighth in the Western Conference and the Trail Blazers will finish ninth. In the Play-In Tournament, the seventh and eighth seeds play each other, with the winner advancing to the playoffs. The loser will play the winner of the game between the ninth and 10th seeds. If the Clippers lose to Portland on Friday, they will need to win their season finale on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors and for the Trail Blazers to lose their finale at home against the Sacramento Kings to avoid falling to the ninth seed.

  • The Clippers and Trail Blazers last met on March 31 at the Clippers' Intuit Dome, with the Trail Blazers winning that game.
  • Friday's game is the Clippers' 81st game of the season.
  • The Clippers' final game of the regular season is on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors.
  • The Trail Blazers' final game of the regular season is on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' All-Star forward who has been through many playoff scenarios and is not fretting about the importance of Friday's game.

Tyronn Lue

The Clippers' head coach who has emphasized the significance of Friday's game, calling it the 'biggest game of the year' for the team.

Jordan Miller

The Clippers' third-year guard who understands the importance of the right mindset against the Trail Blazers.

Derrick Jones Jr.

The Clippers' forward who said the team needs to go into the game with the right mindset and come out with a victory.

Tiago Splitter

The Trail Blazers' interim head coach who told reporters that Friday's matchup 'is the most important game of the season.'

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What they’re saying

“Just play like any other game. We got to do the same thing we do every night, which is make sure we don't make mistakes, execute, rebound, play with energy, and bring aggressiveness. Same thing.”

— Kawhi Leonard, Clippers All-Star forward

“Friday is the biggest game of the year for us … and our guys know that and we're up for the challenge.”

— Tyronn Lue, Clippers head coach

“I think we just need to bring energy from the jump, you know what I'm saying? We started off slow against them last time and we almost crawled back, but that cushion that they had really helped them. So, I think it's about just attacking these dudes with the right energy.”

— Jordan Miller, Clippers third-year guard

“Friday's matchup 'is the most important game of the season.'”

— Tiago Splitter, Trail Blazers interim head coach

What’s next

The Clippers' playoff fate will be determined by the outcome of Friday's game against the Trail Blazers. If the Clippers win, they will clinch the eighth seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the Play-In Tournament. If they lose, they will need to win their final game against the Warriors and hope the Trail Blazers lose to the Kings to avoid falling to the ninth seed.

The takeaway

This game represents a crucial moment in the Clippers' season, as they look to secure a playoff berth and avoid an early end to their postseason aspirations. The team's energy, execution, and ability to handle the pressure of the moment will be key factors in determining the outcome.