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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 09: Los Angeles Clippers Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Guard Lou Williams (23) look on during an NBA preseason game between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers on October 9, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA.
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 09: Los Angeles Clippers Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Guard Lou Williams (23) look on during an NBA preseason game between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers on October 9, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. /

Guard Play

Even though the team is winning, the starting guards have been lackluster. Avery Bradley did show some of his defensive prowess against James Harden on Sunday night and Patrick Beverley seemed more engaged. Still, neither has been what we expected to start the year.

Tonight offers a chance to bounce back though. Elfrid Payton and Jrue Holiday, while not a bad backcourt, don’t offer an extremely hard challenge for the Clippers. With a little less effort required on the defensive end, Bradley and Beverley might be able to shine offensively.

This rings true for the other two guards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lou Williams, who have proven to be an amazing duo off the bench. Williams, while still seeming a little rusty, is still scoring 14.3 points in his three appearances while Shai is adding 8.3.

More. Veteran and rookie guards combine to inspire Clippers. light

Williams defense, of all things, was impressive in the win over Houston. His chase-down block of Harden late in the fourth quarter was a huge moment for the team. In fact, he has looked good defensively in every game, putting him at 12th in defensive win shares.

SGA has impressed all around, using his length to harass players (8th in defensive win shares) and to help him get to the rim. This game could be won or lost by the bench, so having both players contributing could push LA over the edge.

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