"It is games like these where the Clippers will feel the absence of their influential point guard, and it is stages like these which James and Wade relish"
With a busy night of NBA action ahead, Sumeet Paul takes a closer look at two Eastern Conference heavyweights who are pitted against rivals in the West...
Portland Trail Blazers @ New York Knicks
Thursday February 6, 01:00 GMT
Live on BT Sport 1 HD
Portland (34-14) arrive at the Garden looking to avoid a fifth straight road loss as their previously high-scoring offense looks to get out of a slump.
Their averages are dropping after a hot start to the season, with the likes of Lillard, Matthews and Aldridge not finding the basket from beyond the arc with the same efficiency.
However, All-Star Aldridge is still averaging 22.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game so far this season, and if he can set the pace for his team-mates they will be confident of finding form.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are looking to bounce back from a defeat to the NBA's worst team, and coupled with their inconsistency on home court, it could be a little edgy.
Carmelo Anthony and Co. have threatened to turn their season around as they continue to fight for a spot in the playoffs, but despite 25.8 points per game from their star man, they still sit outside the top eight.
This game could go either way considering Portland's recent struggles and the unpredictability of the Knicks. Melo can steal the show single-handedly, but they could also be a mess on the defensive end.
If Portland can find their rhythm again, their scoring options could be too much for the hosts.
Miami Heat @ Los Angeles Clippers
Thursday February 6, 03:30 GMT
Live on BT Sport 1 HD
The Clippers have been dominant at home so far this season, compiling a 20-3 record, the third best in the league.
Historically, Miami have also struggled in this match-up at the Staples Center with the Clippers winning the last five meetings between these two in LA.
However, the visitors have been boosted by the return to form of Dwyane Wade, who appears to have benefited from his mid-season rest.
Wade had 30 points in the win over Detroit on Monday, and even more encouraging was the fact that he played for more than 37 minutes.
While the Clippers were able to hold LeBron James to just 18 points in their last encounter, Wade made the difference with 29, and coach Doc Rivers will be wary of history repeating itself.
Miami are 12-3 against Western Conference teams so far this season, and have a tendency to move up a gear in February having gone 34-6 in the month since the "Big Three" were put together.
Without Chris Paul, the Clippers will need Jordan and Griffin to dominant in the paint and improve from the free-throw line, and the latter has undoubtedly stepped up in recent weeks.
This is another intriguing clash which is difficult to call, but it is games like these where the Clippers will feel the absence of their influential point guard, and it is stages like these which James and Wade relish.
Recommended Bets
Back the Miami Heat to beat the Los Angeles Clippers @ 2.0621/20
Back the Portland Trail Blazers to beat the New York Knicks @ 1.834/5
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