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Clippers vs. Nets Game Preview
The Clippers finally return from their long break to face off against a mediocre Nets squad.
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 – Kawhi Leonard – Mason Plumlee
Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie – Mikal Bridges – Cam Johnson – Dorian Finney-Smith – Nic Claxton
Injury Report
Clippers: Ivica Zubac out (calf), Moussa Diabate out (hand)
Nets: Ben Simmons out (back), DayRon Sharpe out (knee).
The Big Picture
The LA Clippers get back to work after having a four day off period following their last game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The main issue facing the Clippers right now is how to navigate the injury to Ivica Zubac. It’s a bit ironic that in a season where the Clippers stars have been 100 percent healthy, the team’s iron man goes down with for an extended period of time.
Nevertheless, it’s part of the game and the Clippers depth is going to have to rise to the occasion. While neither Mason Plumlee nor Daniel Theis are starting caliber players, they’re both solid and will be heavily called upon in the next few weeks. Expect a lot of small ball too.
The Antagonist
The Brooklyn Nets come to town with a little bit of confidence, having beat the LA Lakers on Friday while snapping a four-game losing streak.
Despite their record, this is not a team for the Clippers to take lightly. They have a pair of wings in Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson capable of having big scoring games. Nic Claxton is an athletic, high energy big man that can give the Clippers trouble inside with no Zubac. They have a super-sub in Cam Thomas who can drop 30 in any game.
The Nets won their previous meeting back in November when the Clippers were sputtering in the immediate aftermath of the James Harden trade. Things are much different now, as the Clippers have been one of the hottest teams in the league.
Sunday matinee games have never been that friendly to the Clippers. This Nets team is capable of getting out and pushing the tempo and the Clippers will need to be sharp from the the opening tip.