LA is coming in off a win over the Pacers and have been truly surging of late.
They could move as high as #5 in the standings out west, and if they could make a move like that, an opportunity to move on the second-round could make them the most unlikely winner of a series in the entire league in years.
Cleveland enters off a home win against the short-handed Bucks. They have won six of their past nine games at home, including three consecutive against playoff-bound teams. They are nowhere near the top-eight in the conference, but are proving to be a force.
The Clippers come into this game as favourites, despite being on the road in Cleveland.
The #8 scoring team in the league has a lot of people to thank for their spot up there. Lou Williams is leading the way with his 20 ppg (and 5.4 apg) off the bench, with Danilo Gallinari scoring 19 a game on 43% shooting from beyond the arc. Montrezl Harrell is averaging 16 points per game off the bench and has been dominant. Landry Shamet is scoring 12 ppg and shooting 46% from deep since coming over, while Pat Beverley and JaMychal Green have both been effective shooting the long ball.
As we mentioned, they have played great of late, and nobody wants to face them. This run could quite easily continue for another few games. With every one they win, they move closer to punching their ticket back to the playoffs. With all of the options they have in their lineup, they have some deadly combos.
Despite being 34 games under .500, it seems that this team has finally discovered its identity as well as confidence. Collin Sexton is the first rookie since Tim Duncan to put up at least 23 points in seven straight games, a run that spanned 21 years. He is finally starting to figure out how to be a big-time scorer in the most competitive league in the world. Kevin Love has shown that he is healthy enough to knock down big shots and hold down the fort on the glass. And Jordan Clarkson is the sixth man scorer they looked for, for years and have finally found!
They will have their work cut out for them with this tough Clippers team, but they will have a chance in front of their home fans at the Q to make things happen. They will need Sexton and Love to play well, and Tristan to be aggressive on the glass now that he is finally back. Cedi Osman playing well could also be nice for this team that is looking for its 20th win. For perspective, they won just 19 in LeBron’s first year away from the team, in Miami.
It just will not be the Cavs night. The Clippers will stumble out of the gate but once the reserves get out there, it will all change. Two of their top three guys come off the bench and once Lou Will and Harrell get in, that’s it. The Clippers win this game, and win it fairly big.
Bet the Clippers to win on the road by double digits over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
About The Author
