First back-to-back & beginning of road trip.
This month starts off with a back to back on the start of the Los Angeles Clippers road trip. The first two games will be at the Detroit Pistons and the Toronto Raptors. This is a tough challenge for the Clippers ending their first game close to midnight eastern time, then having to travel and get ready to play an even tougher team the next night.
Game 53: LA Clippers @ Detroit Pistons. February 2nd, 2019
Since the Clippers will have already hosted the Pistons earlier in the season, this will be their last meeting during the year. Considering each time these teams play there is something more meaningful behind the game, this is one to watch for.
Last year, post Blake Griffin blockbuster trade, the Pistons went on a small winning streak, before losing more and more games. That first preview of the Pistons with Blake looked promising but has disappeared. Even half way through the next season is not enough time for the Pistons to get things on the right track.
For this reason, the LA Clippers will spoil this game, even as visitors and come out with the win. Sure, Clippers have no clear star yet, but their bench and roster is much more deep than the Pistons. Count on the second unit guys to out hustle and travel to Toronto on a good note.
Prediction: Clippers earn a win to start the road trip on a positive way, assuming everyone is healthy. This will definitely spoil Griffin’s night as it is a given he wants to beat LA every time they square off.