Preview: Clippers play Portland Trail Blazers in second game of a back-to-back

The Clippers don’t have much time to lick their wounds after blowing a 23-point lead against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday to lose, 124-117. On Friday, they play the Portland Trail Blazers.

After leading by 10 points with five minutes left, it looked as though the Clippers were going to deal the Warriors (13-0) their first loss. Instead, Golden State outscored the Clippers, 22-5, over that period to remain undefeated.

The Clippers (6-5) have lost five of their last seven games. They’ve blown double-digit leads in four of those five losses.

The silver lining of Thursday’s loss was that Chris Paul, who had been sidelined in the team’s previous two games because of a strained right groin, proved that he’s no longer hampered by the injury.

Paul opened the game shooting seven-for-seven from the field, scoring 18 points in eight minutes. When he was subbed out with less than four minutes left in the first quarter, he received a standing ovation as the crowd chanted “C-P-3, C-P-3.” He finished with 35 points, eight assists and four rebounds.

On the other hand, the Clippers on Friday will likely still be without starting shooting guard J.J. Redick, who missed his third straight game Thursday because of back spasms.

The Trail Blazers have opened the season with a record of 4-9, and have lost their last seven games. The Blazers, like the Clippers, have been having problems closing games: In their recent seven losses, they’ve either blown the lead in the fourth quarter or cut their deficit to single digits but not been able to complete the comeback.

The Clippers won three of their four games against the Trail Blazers last season.

Follow Melissa Rohlin on Twitter @melissarohlin