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Clippers vs. Lakers Preview: Home-stand at an end
The Clippers will close out a solid homestand against their LA rivals, the hated Lakers.
Game Information
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
When: 7PM PT
How to Watch: TNT
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: James Harden – Terance Mann – Paul George – Kawhi Leonard – Mason Plumlee
Lakers: D’Angelo Russell – Austin Reaves – Taurean Prince – Rui Hachimura – Anthony Davis
Injury Report
Clippers: Ivica Zubac out (calf), Moussa Diabate out (hand)
Lakers: LeBron James out (ankle), Gabe Vincent out (ankle), Anthony Davis probable (Achilles), Jarred Vanderbilt probable (heel)
The Big Picture
The LA Clippers end their recent home-stand with a game against their neighbor down the hall, the LA Lakers. It’s their final home game before embarking on a road trip that takes them almost to mid-February.
They’re coming off one of the most inspiring wins of the season against the Brooklyn Nets, during which they ended the game on a 22-0 run to come back from being down 18 to win.
This team is rolling and continues to find ways to win. With the NBA Trade Deadline coming up, there really isn’t anything this team needs to do. They’re playing the way it was envisioned when they made the James Harden trade and they’ve stayed relatively healthy.
The Antagonist
The LA Lakers come into the game as one of the most inconsistent teams in the league. They’ve beaten the Clippers twice already this season, but also have some head-scratching losses.
They’ve been hovering around .500 for the majority of the season. They’ve also been one of the teams mentioned most frequently in trade rumors.
Whatever the reason for their inconsistency, they’ve been ready to play against the Clippers this season. They’ll be without LeBron James though who has been dealing with an ankle injury. That just means more touches for Anthony Davis who has been quietly having an incredible season.
If the Clippers can grab a win here, they can end this home-stand on a high note and carry some momentum into the upcoming road trip.
Clippers vs. Lakers Preview: Home-stand at an end
David Yapkowitz