The LA Clippers are looking to snap their 6-game losing streak in Cleveland tonight. This is easier said than done. Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages that the Clips will have in The Land tonight.
Disadvantage: Cavs have home court advantage
Last season for the first time ever, the Clippers defeated the Cavaliers (with LeBron James) on Cleveland’s own court. We know how much pride LeBron James takes in defending The Land, which is why this away game is a big obstacle in our losing streak’s path. James is coming off of a performance in Charlotte where he racked up 31 points and 8 assists in 36 minutes. He must be contained tonight if the Clippers want to snap the streak.
Advantage: Cavs have the worst defense in the NBA
The Cavaliers allow 110.6 points per 100 possessions. Their defensive struggles likely come from all of the new faces on their roster, lack of consistent player rotations, and big-man Tristan Thompson being injured. Smart offensive choices from the Clippers would be especially effective against the defensively struggling Cavaliers. This is not a game where Blake Griffin should “look to get teammates going”, especially with Patrick Beverley doubtful to play, and Danilo Gallinari and Milos Teodosic out (see injury list for tonight’s game here). Blake Griffin should look to score every chance he gets tonight in Cleveland.
Disadvantage for both sides: Injuries
Derrick Rose, Isaiah Thomas, and Tristan Thompson are all out for the Cavaliers. However, the team’s depth is so scary that this barely hinders their offense. LeBron James is still making plays for scorers such as Kevin Love and Dwyane Wade, as well as other offensively capable players on the team. The gap in Cleveland’s defensive system that the Clippers need to take advantage of is at the center spot, right under the basket. That is where DeAndre Jordan needs to be grabbing boards on both ends of the court, putting the ball in the basket, and tapping the ball back to our guys on the offensive end. It’s time to make up for your 2 points 5 assist performance against the 76ers DJ, and this is a good night to do it.
Expectations
There is only one way to find out how the struggling Clippers do tonight, and that is to watch the game. We expect the losing streak to end any game now, even if it is in The Land against LeBron James.