Post by Admin on Dec 29, 2022 19:33:19 GMT -5
Clippers are sailing ships ... right?
Los Angeles Clippers (21-15) at Boston Celtics (25-10) Game #26 12/29/22
The Celtics close out their 7 game home stand with a visit from the Los Angeles Clippers.
By flceltsfan
The Clippers are playing in the 4th game of a 5 game road trip. They are 2-1 so far on the trip, beating Detroit and Toronto and losing to Philadelphia. They will close out the trip on December 31at Indiana. The Celtics will head back out on the road after this game with a 4 game Western road trip beginning on New Year’s Day.
The Celtics have regained 1st place in the East after a very brief time at 2nd place. They are 2 games ahead of 2nd place Brooklyn, who have won their last 10 games. They are 2.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks, who have slipped to 3rd place. They are 14-3 at home and 5-5 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 3 games and they are 10-2 against Western Conference teams.
The Clippers are in 4th place in the West. They are 2.5 games behind the 2nd place Nuggets and 2 games out of 7th place and a spot in the play in tournament. They are 10-8 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 2 games. They are 10-4 against Eastern Conference teams.
The Celtics have regained 1st place in the East after a very brief time at 2nd place. They are 2 games ahead of 2nd place Brooklyn, who have won their last 10 games. They are 2.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks, who have slipped to 3rd place. They are 14-3 at home and 5-5 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 3 games and they are 10-2 against Western Conference teams.
The Clippers are in 4th place in the West. They are 2.5 games behind the 2nd place Nuggets and 2 games out of 7th place and a spot in the play in tournament. They are 10-8 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 2 games. They are 10-4 against Eastern Conference teams.
Probable Clippers Starters
Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson
Paul George
Kawhi Leonard
Marcus Morris, Sr.
Ivica Zubac
Clippers Reserves
Nicolas Batum
Brandon Boston, Jr
Amir Coffey
Robert Covington
John Wall
Luke Kennard
Terrance Mann
Jason Preston
Norman Powell
2 Way Players
Brandon Boston, Jr
Amir Coffey
Robert Covington
John Wall
Luke Kennard
Terrance Mann
Jason Preston
Norman Powell
2 Way Players
Moses Brown
Moussa Diabate
Out/Injuries
Moussa Diabate
Out/Injuries
None listed
Head Coach
Head Coach
Tyronn Lue
Key Matchups
Derrick White vs Paul George
Paul George has been the Clippers best and most consistent player this season. He is averaging 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He is shooting 45.0% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. In the first game between these two teams, George finished with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. The Celtics need to slow him down in this one.
Jaylen Brown vs Kawhi Leonard
Jaylen Brown vs Kawhi Leonard
Leonard is averaging 16.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He is shooting 46.0% from the field but just 25.5% from beyond the arc. In the first game between these two teams, Leonard had 25 points 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. He was just returning from injury in that game and so will likely be playing even better in this game.
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Jayson Tatum vs Marcus Morris, Sr
Morris is averaging 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. He is shooting 44.6% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc. The last time these two teams squared off he had 13 points, 2 rebounds and no assists. He always seems to get up for his former team, however and so the Celtics need to defend him well.