The LA Clippers look to bounce back from a loss to Philadelphia as they face off against their divisional foe, the Phoenix Suns.
The LA Clippers are looking to get back on track after suffering their second consecutive loss on Monday to the Philadelphia 76ers. Tonight’s foe? The Phoenix Suns.
Last Time
The last meeting between Phoenix and the Clippers occurred on December 10, when the Clippers struggled but managed to win by 4. This win broke a two game losing streak (same as they have now), but the Clippers would then lose their next four games.
In the win, Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari combined for 58 points, but outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (16 points), no other player even scored double digits.
With Devin Booker active this time around, that may not be enough to pull off a win.
Tonight
The Clippers badly need a complete end-to-end victory. Their collapse in the third quarter against the Spurs and poor early play against Philadelphia needs to move out of their mind.
The challenge will yet again be a big man, which the Clips have struggled badly against. Deandre Ayton double-doubled (20 points, 12 rebounds) the last time out and with allowing offensive rebounds being a real issue for LA, he could capitalize again.
We don’t have word yet on whether Marcin Gortat or Boban Marjanovic will get the start, but either must be ready to crash the glass. Montrezl Harrell will also need to come with his typical energy.
Another interesting wrinkle could be Johnathan Motley, who was called back up to the team from the Agua Caliente Clippers or Ontario. Motley has not yet played for the LA Clippers, but could earn his chance tonight in the event of a blowout.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has struggled to score in his last three games, but tonight presents him with an opportunity. He has scored 13 and 16 in his two meetings with Phoenix, so tonight could very well end up being a big night for him.
Tonight also presents an opportunity for both Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari to try and improve their All-Star cases. Neither was in the top-10 spot for fan votes when first returns were released earlier this week, so they will need to continue their stellar play in order to possibly be voted in by NBA coaches.