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Los Angeles Clippers look to stay hot in New Orleans

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 06: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans talks to Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers on March 6, 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. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 06: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans talks to Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers on March 6, 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. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 11: Marcin Gortat #13 of the LA Clippers is introduced during a pre-season game against the Maccabi Haifa on October 11, 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 11: Marcin Gortat #13 of the LA Clippers is introduced during a pre-season game against the Maccabi Haifa on October 11, 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) /

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.

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