SPORTS

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

PUBLISHED Apr 11, 2026, 1:19 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 9

Center 100%

Sources: 9

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.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

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.

News Intelligence

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.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

The Portland Trail Blazers benefited most: the victory put them in control of the inside track for the Western Conference’s eighth seed and a potential 7-vs-8 Play-In spot with a win Sunday.

Who Impacted

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a setback: the loss jeopardized their direct path to the eighth seed and forced them to win Sunday and hope for a Portland loss to avoid a tougher play-in route.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

The Portland Trail Blazers benefited most: the victory put them in control of the inside track for the Western Conference’s eighth seed and a potential 7-vs-8 Play-In spot with a win Sunday.

Who Impacted

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a setback: the loss jeopardized their direct path to the eighth seed and forced them to win Sunday and hope for a Portland loss to avoid a tougher play-in route.