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LA Clippers may need to shake things up before matchup with Thunder

By Garrett Chorpenning

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 13: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on December 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 13: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on December 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Losers of four of their last five, the LA Clippers may need to make some rotational changes ahead of their matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The LA Clippers have used seven different starting lineups this season, each with varying levels of success. The latest lineup features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Avery Bradley, Danilo Gallinari, Tobias Harris, and Marcin Gortat. It’s now been used for nine consecutive games, making it the most frequent lineup used so far this season. It’s also the worst-performing starting group by record — at 4-5, it’s the only one to not post a record at or above .500.

So why, then, are the Clippers so insistent on using a lineup that has lost more games than its won? Especially during their worst streak of basketball on the season?

In order to steal a win on the road tonight, it may be wise for the Clippers to switch things up. Whether that’s to an all-new starting rotation or to another that’s worked well in the past is up to the coaching staff, but we have a few ideas.

Los Angeles should start by removing Bradley from the lineup. 10 of the Clippers’ 11 losses this season have come when he’s a starter, meaning that LA is 5-1 when he is out of the starting rotation. And unsurprisingly, some of LA’s best wins — including those against the Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks — have come when he’s been inactive.

The Clippers have a number of options for replacing his spot. There’s Patrick Beverley, who’s roughly 14 points better as a starter than he is a reserve, and has also looked solid beside Gilgeous-Alexander. They could also go with youth rather than experience and slide Tyrone Wallace into the starting rotation, who impressed last season in his 19 starts.

Wallace may also be a savvy choice based on his recent play. He exploded for a season-high 15 points in Tuesday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Outside of Bradley’s spot, there may not be much to change. Gilgeous-Alexander appears comfortable in his starting role, and despite recent struggles, Harris and Gallinari have both been efficient overall. The center position is a topic for another day, though Gortat is probably best in most situations.

Either way, it doesn’t appear that this Clippers team is ready for the Thunder. Despite losing two consecutive games coming into tonight, Paul George and Russell Westbrook highlight a team with more star power than LA has seen lately. It’s going to take an all-around effort and then some, especially considering how the Clippers have looked over the last several games.

The Thunder are on the second game of a back-to-back though, and if the Clippers come out motivated, this could be their chance to turn things around and put an end to their slump.

dark. Next. Slack Chat: Have the LA Clippers lived up to expectations?

Los Angeles will tip-off with Oklahoma City tonight at 6:00 PM PST from Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder are favored by 6.5 points.

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