Big Battle
The Clippers have faced good big men in Nikola Jokic, Steven Adams and Clint Capela in their first three games, but Anthony Davis is a whole different kind of beast.
In the four games that the teams faced each other last season, Davis averaged 29.8 points. The Clips dropped three of those four meetings. Remember, that was with DeAndre Jordan on the roster. LA’s big men will have to be up to the task tonight.
Marcin Gortat has been about what we expected. He has done nothing to blow anyone away, but hasn’t done anything noteworthy. He will have to try and face Davis the best he can to start the game and possibly wear him down physically.
Boban Marjanovic will also likely get a crack at Davis and although he towers over AD, Bobi’s lack of mobility will hurt him. Davis is very capable of stretching the floor and playing off the dribble. Bobi may just have to live with Davis shooting and hoping he misses.
On the other end of the spectrum, if Montrezl Harrell gets placed on Davis, he might be able to match Davis’ speed, but not his size. Trezz will need to also try and stay out of foul trouble. Through the three games the team has played, he is averaging four fouls.
Luc Mbah a Moute, although not big by any means, may also get some defensive looks against Davis due to his capabilities. Mbah a Moute is no slouch and could bother Davis as long as he doesn’t allow him to get too deep into the post.
Ultimately, the Clippers don’t have any one person who they can stick on Davis and shut him down. (Honestly, no one does) By giving AD various looks between Gortat, Marjanovic and Harrell, the Clips will just keep him guessing and hope the rest of the Pelicans aren’t knocking down shots.