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Clippers 2016-17 schedule: 5 best games of the first month

By Tom West

Mar 9, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to a call in action against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to a call in action against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) handles the ball as Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) defends in the third quarter at Air Canada Centre. Raptors beat Clippers 112 – 94. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) handles the ball as Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) defends in the third quarter at Air Canada Centre. Raptors beat Clippers 112 – 94. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

November 21 vs. Toronto Raptors

The Eastern Conference continues to improve. The Boston Celtics added a new, versatile All-Star in center Al Horford, and the Indiana Pacers made a host of strong moves by adding Thaddeus Young, Al Jefferson and Jeff Teague. The Celtics in particular could certainly be the new 3rd seed, but the Toronto Raptors still have a talent edge as the second best team in the East.

Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan (on a fresh five-year, $139 million deal), DeMarre Carroll and Jonas Valanciunas still highlight the best starting lineup behind the LeBron James-led Cavaliers. With that kind of talent, complimented by role players such as Terrence Ross, Cory Joseph, Patrick Patterson, sophomore Norman Powell, new signing Jared Sullinger and rookie Jakob Poeltl, the Raptors should look similar to their franchise best season in 2015-16 (yes, Bismack Biyombo is a big loss, but a fairly inevitable one due to his value).

However, the Clippers’ starting lineup is on a higher level still, and the Big 3 and a solid group of role players gets them the nod in an early prediction for this game. Plus, as the second game in a home stint in L.A., the Clippers should be well rested and confident on their home court.

Jordan will be a smothering defender for Valanciuans to overcome inside or on the boards, leaving the toughest matchup for the Clippers coming down to Lowry and DeRozan.

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Against one of the top point guards in the league in Lowry, possessing even more agility after slimming down a year ago, Paul will have to keep up his All-Defensive First Team play to stop Lowry at the three-point line. As for stopping DeRozan, forcing him into his far-too-frequent long twos and contested driving lanes to DeAndre Jordan will be their best bet to limiting his scoring.

As we watch the Clippers look to start the season stronger than they did in 2014-15, contests such as the five listed will be both entertaining and key indicators as to how the new team is coming together.

And, as per usual, the Clippers’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 4 will surely be a physical contest.

Next: DeAndre Jordan's importance to Team USA is rising

Besides the condition of Griffin and the team in general, focus on Doc Rivers’ rotations, how many minutes rookie Brice Johnson receives, and how Speights, Bass and Felton click early on.

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