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Clippers Vs. Celtics Game Preview
The Clippers will try to return to their winning ways, but face a very tough opponent in the Boston Celtics.
Game Information
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
When: 12:30 PM PT
How to Watch: Clippervision, Bally Sports SoCal
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: James Harden – Terance Mann – Paul George – Amir Coffey – Ivica Zubac
Celtics: Jrue Holiday – Derrick White – Jaylen Brown – Sam Hauser – Al Horford
Injury Report
Clippers: Kawhi Leonard questionable (hip), Mason Plumlee out (MCL), Moussa Diabate out (hip).
Celtics: Jayson Tatum questionable (ankle), Kristaps Porzingis out (ankle), Luke Kornet out (adductor), Svi Mykhailiuk questionable (heel).
The Big Picture
The LA Clippers return home after a mini road trip and as one of the hottest teams in the NBA, recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder notwithstanding.
This team has found its rhythm and Kawhi Leonard is playing some of the best basketball he’s played in a Clippers jersey. He’s legitimately entered the MVP conversation as the Clippers have climbed the standings in the Western Conference.
He is questionable though against the Boston Celtics after sitting out the Thunder game due to a hip injury.
James Harden has found his stride as well and has silenced all doubters since the initial losing streak when he first joined the team.
The OKC game aside, this team is really clicking on all cylinders with strong bench play as well spearheaded by Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell.
With chemistry questions seemingly out of the way, health has always been the major factor in determining the Clippers success. The recent Leonard injury is something to monitor, but at the moment it doesn’t appear to be anything too serious.
The Antagonist
The Celtics come to town as one of the best teams in the NBA. Even without Jayson Tatum in their last game against the Sacramento Kings, they managed to grab an impressive win.
Like the Clippers, this team is also clicking. The only difference is they’ve been playing like this all season.
Tatum is questionable against the Clippers and Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out. Nevertheless, this is still a team to be reckoned with. They’re extremely well coached and disciplined and more than capable of grabbing a win despite missing key players.
This is going to be a tough one and the Clippers need to be focused and ready from the get-go. Early afternoon starts haven’t always been kind to them, and if they go down early they will be unlikely to make a comeback.