Trail Blazers Defeat Clippers, Jeopardizing Playoff Hopes

Deni Avdija's 35 points and Donovan Clingan's double-double lead Portland to crucial win over Los Angeles

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:58am by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, court, and ball, conveying the intensity and drama of the high-stakes matchup.The Clippers' playoff hopes hang in the balance after a crushing defeat at the hands of the surging Trail Blazers.Portland Today

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 116-97 on Friday night, putting the Clippers' hopes of earning the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs in jeopardy. Deni Avdija scored 35 points and Donovan Clingan recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Blazers to the victory.

Why it matters

This game was a crucial matchup in the race for the final playoff spot in the West. The Clippers were hoping to solidify their position, but the loss to the Blazers makes their path more difficult. Portland now controls its own destiny and can clinch the 8th seed with a win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

The details

The Blazers jumped out to a 55-35 lead in the first half, but the Clippers stormed back to take an 82-79 lead late in the third quarter. However, Portland responded with a 13-6 run to regain control and pull away in the fourth quarter. Robert Williams III added a double-double for the Blazers, while Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • If the Blazers beat the Kings on Sunday, April 12, 2026, they will secure the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

The players

Deni Avdija

A 23-year-old forward for the Portland Trail Blazers who scored a game-high 35 points in the win.

Donovan Clingan

A 22-year-old center for the Portland Trail Blazers who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Kawhi Leonard

A 34-year-old forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who led his team with 24 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must win on Sunday to keep our playoff hopes alive. This was a tough loss, but we'll regroup and come back stronger.”

— Kawhi Leonard, Forward, Los Angeles Clippers

What’s next

If the Blazers beat the Kings on Sunday, they will secure the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs and face the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the 7-8 play-in game on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This game was a crucial setback for the Clippers in their pursuit of the final playoff spot in the West. The Blazers, on the other hand, are now in control of their own destiny and can clinch a postseason berth with a win over the Kings on Sunday.