LA Clippers: 3 things to watch for versus San Antonio Spurs

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 03: Los Angeles Clippers Center Boban Marjanovic (51) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs Center Pau Gasol (16) during an NBA game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers on April 3, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 03: Los Angeles Clippers Center Boban Marjanovic (51) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs Center Pau Gasol (16) during an NBA game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers on April 3, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 14: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs is congratulated by Patty Mills #8 after scoring against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 14, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 14: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs is congratulated by Patty Mills #8 after scoring against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 14, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Limiting DeRozan

This is the super obvious point. If the Clippers want to come out of this game with a victory, limiting DeMar DeRozan will be key.

On the year, DeRozan is putting up a team-high 24.9 points per game on 49.8% shooting. What is not being talked about enough though is the fact that he is averaging 6.4 assists per game, 1.2 more than his second best season (2017-18). The Spurs go as DeRozan goes.

In the Spurs’ victories, DeRozan has scored 26.9 points while only putting up 22.7 in their losses. Luckily, the Clips have the tools to defend him.

Avery Bradley and Luc Mbah a Moute are both listed as questionable for tonight’s game, but either coming back would help the Clippers defensively. While Beverley is a good defender in his own right, he gives up a lot of size to the 6’7″ DeRozan.

Enter Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The rookie has impressed on offense with his court vision and playmaking ability, but his size as a defender is what will be needed tonight. The 6’6″ rookie may give up some weight on DeRozan, but will be able to use his length to still disrupt his shot.

Players defended by SGA have shot 4.9% worse, but more importantly have shot 13.6% worse in attempts under 10ft from the basket. In total, players have shot 7.9% worse from 2 point range when he is on them. With DeRozan being known as a mid-range scorer, SGA may be the perfect defender to throw on him.

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The game can be watched on TNT, Fox Sports West or Fubo at 10:30pm EST/ 7:30pm PST. As always, follow along with us on Twitter for all your in-game fun and check back here tomorrow for a full breakdown of the game.