SPORTS

Avdija's 35 lifts Blazers; Clippers' playoff hopes imperiled

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PORTLAND, Ore. The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-97 on Friday night as Deni Avdija scored 35 points and Donovan Clingan added 18 points and 13 rebounds, giving Portland the inside track for the Western Conference’s eighth seed. Robert Williams III contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds while Portland outrebounded the Clippers 46-35. Portland can clinch a 7-vs-8 Play-In Tournament spot with a win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday and would face the Phoenix Suns in the Tuesday play-in game in Phoenix. The Clippers, who would have clinched eighth with a Friday win, must now beat the Golden State Warriors Sunday and hope Portland loses to retain the eighth seed and avoid a tougher play-in route.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Friday night: Portland defeats the Los Angeles Clippers 116-97, Avdija scores 35.
Late third quarter: Clippers briefly lead after Jordan Miller’s 3-pointer; Thybulle ties it.
Fourth quarter: Avdija scores 15 points in the quarter as Portland pulls away.
Sunday: Portland faces Sacramento; a Portland win secures the 7-vs-8 play-in berth.
Tuesday: The 7-vs-8 Play-In game in Phoenix between the play-in qualifiers is scheduled.

Why This Matters to You

If you're a Portland Trail Blazers fan, this win brings you closer to the playoffs. If you're a Clippers fan, the stakes just got higher. Either way, Sunday's games will be crucial. Check the schedule and make sure you're ready to cheer your team on.

The Bottom Line

Avdija's 35-point game was a game-changer for the Blazers, putting them in a strong position for the playoffs. The Clippers now face a tougher road. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good underdog story.