Avdija and Clingan Lead Blazers Past Pacers
Trail Blazers vs Pacers Deni Avdija Donovan Clingan 2026
The Portland Trail Blazers moved a step closer to securing a Western Conference play-in spot on Wednesday night with a 127-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Deni Avdija led the charge with 32 points and 11 rebounds, fueled by a dominant first half in which he poured in 23 points. Rookie center Donovan Clingan provided a massive interior presence, recording a career-high 28 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. The win marks a critical momentum shift for the 10th-seeded Blazers, who have now won three of their last four games as they battle the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors for postseason positioning. According to official game recaps, Portland never trailed in the contest and utilized a season-high 79-point first half to establish a commanding 17-point lead by the intermission.
Despite Portland’s early dominance, the Pacers mounted a spirited fourth-quarter rally that nearly erased a 22-point deficit. Indiana utilized a late 19-5 run, capped by a Kobe Brown three-pointer, to trim the lead to just 120-117 with 1:52 remaining. However, veteran guard Jrue Holiday, who finished with 15 points and eight assists, silenced the crowd with a clutch triple on the ensuing possession. Reports from Indianapolis indicate that the Pacers’ comeback stalled after a missed layup and a wayward three-pointer in the final minute, allowing Avdija to seal the result at the free-throw line. Toumani Camara also chipped in 17 points for the Blazers, while the Pacers were led by Ivica Zubac’s 18 points in what was their franchise-record 15th consecutive loss.
The victory keeps Portland firmly in the hunt for the No. 8 seed, which would provide two opportunities to advance through the play-in format. With the Memphis Grizzlies currently nine games back in the 11th spot, the Western Conference’s top ten teams appear nearly set, leaving the final weeks of the season to determine seeding and home-court advantages. NBA standings analysis suggests Portland holds the easiest remaining schedule among its immediate competitors, with an opponent win percentage of just .431. As the Blazers return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, the continued emergence of the Avdija-Clingan tandem remains the focal point of a team peaking at the right time for a potential deep postseason run.
