213hoops.com
Clippers vs. Spurs Game Preview: Wembanyama Rolls Into Town
The Clippers will try to get over their first loss of the season in a home game against the Spurs and wunderkind Victor Wembanyama.
Game Information
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
When: 6:00 PM PT
How to Watch: Clippervision, Bally Sports SoCal, NBA TV
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: Russell Westbrook – Paul George – Kawhi Leonard – Robert Covington – Ivica Zubac
Spurs: Jeremy Sochan – Devin Vassell – Keldon Johnson – Victor Wembanyama – Zach Collins
Injury Report
Clippers: Terance Mann out (ankle), Brandon Boston Jr. out (quad), Marcus Morris Sr. out (coach’s decision).
Spurs: None
The Big Picture
After the Clippers dominating opening night win against the Portland Trail Blazers, they followed up with a classic stinker against the Utah Jazz. Sure, the Clippers have not had much success in Utah in recent seasons, but the Jazz are not a very good team. These are the types of games the Clippers can’t afford to give away if they’re serious about this season.
It wasn’t just that the Clippers lost to the Jazz, it was the fact that they were down double-digits early in the game. Sure, it’s a long season and it’s just the second game of the season, but the loss highlighted some key issues that didn’t start this season.
The Clippers rebounding was poor, their late game execution was too stagnant, turnovers plagued them throughout the game, and their defense resembled a bottom five team in the league rather than the top five team they want to be.
The Antagonist
The San Antonio Spurs roll into town as one of the top must-watch teams on League Pass thanks to the arrival of French sensation Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs are 1-1 on the season and probably won’t be that great of a team this year. But Wembanyama has already been sensational. He’s already had his share of jaw-dropping plays. The things he can do on the court are incredible for someone of his size and stature.
Stopping Wembanyama isn’t going to be the Clippers only focus against the Spurs though. The Spurs have quietly added quality young talent to their roster as they enter their rebuild. Jeremy Sochan is getting used to a new position at point guard and has a ton of potential. Devin Vassell might be one of the most underrated players in the league.
The Clippers have a couple of home games before they embark on a mini-road trip in about a week. This is their chance to string together some wins and build up some momentum.
Clippers vs. Spurs Game Preview: Wembanyama Rolls Into Town
David Yapkowitz