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LA Clippers: Three things to watch for in tonight’s season opener

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 9: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers shows a serious face against the Denver Nuggets during a pre-season game on October 9, 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 9: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers shows a serious face against the Denver Nuggets during a pre-season game on October 9, 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PLAYA VISTA, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Los Angeles Clippers’ Boban Marjanovic during the team’s media day in Playa Vista, CA, on Monday, Sep 24, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Los Angeles Clippers’ Boban Marjanovic during the team’s media day in Playa Vista, CA, on Monday, Sep 24, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) /

Boban Unleashed

If there’s one player who can truly dominate the Denver Nuggets, it’s Boban Marjanovic. The seven-foot center went off for 18 points and six rebounds in just 15 minutes of play, willing the Clippers back from a deficit to a slight lead in what became one of the team’s signature wins last season.

Expect more of the same from Marjanovic tonight. The Serbian big always plays Denver’s Jokic well, given the two play at very similar speeds. And since this game isn’t being played in mile-high altitudes, Marjanovic should be able to log a few more minutes on the floor.

It’s hard to say that what Bobi accomplished against Denver last season was a one-time occurrence, since he improved upon his historic performance just a few nights back in the preseason. Once again against Denver, Marjanovic went for 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks across just 15 minutes of play.

Again, this was a preseason match, but it’s hard to ignore these types of trends.

Of course, Marjanovic has never started a regular season game for the LA Clippers before, and chances are he comes off the bench tonight in favor of the newly-acquired Marcin Gortat, who will be making his first start for Los Angeles. That being said, it wouldn’t be unusual for Gortat and Marjanovic to split minutes tonight.

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