December 17-22: Clippers See Slight Bump in the Road as Paul George Returns
As the Clippers continue through the middle of the month with a 6-1 record, the Western Conference matchups will continue and likely affect some jockeying for playoff positioning.
The Suns come to town on the 17th and the Clippers will win again over a subpar opponent but then things get rough despite All-Star Paul George returning from injury.
The Rockets and Spurs will defeat the Clippers in Staples Center and in San Antonio before George returns to Oklahoma City after being traded after the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard this offseason in another game that will feature tons of emotions.
The Thunder host the Clippers on December 22 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and Chris Paul will all see action against their former LA squad in what should be a rout for the Clippers regardless of emotion.
The win over the Thunder will also be needed after two straight losses to get the team back into a groove that it needs heading into Christmas Day against the Los Angeles Lakers.