The LA Clippers face their Grammy Trip in January, but that is filled with several easy games. The rest of the month? Not so bad either.
Entering January, we have the LA Clippers sitting at a nice 26-8. This prediction may be a bit lofty, but with Paul George back in the lineup full-time, the Clips should be running efficiently.
January offers an easy array of games – only four of them come against playoff teams. This month is the perfect time to give both George and Kawhi Leonard some much needed rest while still maintaining a high seed in the tough Western Conference.
January 1-10
January 2 – vs. Detroit Pistons
To start 2020, the Clippers host an old friend in Blake Griffin. The Pistons are going to be competing for a playoff spot again, so this one won’t be a cakewalk. The Clippers big man rotation will be challenged with both Griffin and Andre Drummond on the court. Luckily for the Clips, Detroit still doesn’t have any great wings so that should be enough.
January 4 – vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The first of an easy back-to-back, expect a quick win here in which we see a lot of the Clips bench.
January 5 – vs. New York Knicks
After an easy win against Memphis, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kawhi or PG sits this out. Honestly, it would make sense to stagger them, resting one against the Grizzlies and one against the Knicks. No matter what they do, the Clippers should have this one locked up a swell.
January 10 – vs. Golden State Warriors
After the back-to-back, the Clippers get four days off before hosting divisional rival Golden State. This will be a tough one and after a couple of easy wins and a lot of rest, I can see Golden State jumping on us early and taking a lead. While LA is capable of making a comeback, they drop this one to the Warriors.