Clippers beat Blazers to bolster hopes of avoiding play-in
By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points, Norman Powell added 23 and the Los Angeles Clippers solidified their hopes of avoiding the play-in game with a 136-125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Russell Westbrook had 20 points for the Clippers, who have won four of their last six and hold the fifth spot in the Western Conference. Wins by LA and Minnesota on Saturday ensured the Clippers can finish no lower than seventh. Their best hope of avoiding the play-in game though is beating Phoenix on Sunday in what could a preview of a first-round series.