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LA Clippers: What to watch for as the Wizards visit Staples

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 01: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers (L) warms up ahead of a game against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 01: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers (L) warms up ahead of a game against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers return home after an embarrassing loss to host the Washington Wizards. Here is what to look for in tonight’s matchup.

The LA Clippers just could not get anything to work right in Friday’s 107-97 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Thankfully, they now return home to Staples Center to host the 6-11 Washington Wizards.

Both teams are coming off embarrassing losses and will look to make up for their previous poor performance. Washington played in Staples Center on Friday to the Lakers in a 125-103 loss that never even really felt that close.

The record may not indicate it, but the Wizards boast one of the most powerful offenses in the NBA. Currently, the team ranks third in points per game averaging 118.5 points. The majority of this comes from superstar Bradley Beal, who is averaging 28.3 per game. It’s not just a one man show in the nation’s capital. The Wizards lead the league in assists per game, averaging 28.6

With the Clippers defense looking so porous on Friday, this will be the perfect test. The Spurs hit everything against LA, including connecting on 38.9% of their attempts from deep. If the Clippers intend to pull this win out, their defense will have to be a lot more focused.

While Beal is the main threat, the team will need to watch out for Davis Bertans who has been a sniper this season. Of his 7.5 attempts per game, he is connecting on 44% of them. The team may not be able to stop Beal, but if they can limit Bertans, the Wizards offense won’t be as scary.

For the Clippers, a bounce back game from Kawhi Leonard would be nice. He struggled again against the Spurs, shooting just 8 of 23 from the field. Paul George was even worse, only knocking down two of his 11 shots from the field. Hopefully being back home will help them to get back on course.

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The Clippers will again be without Landry Shamet and Rodney McGruder with the former rehabbing an ankle sprain and the latter recovering from a hamstring sprain.

For the Wizards, Moe Wagner will not play after suffering a left ankle sprain in the team’s loss Friday.

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