After starting 15-6, the LA Clippers enter December looking to continue their strong start and continue to build. Here are five must-watch games this month.
Sitting at 15-6, the LA Clippers enter the month of December in third place in the Western Conference, trailing the Denver Nuggets (13-4) and the Los Angeles Lakers (17-3).
After a solid start, the team really started to flourish when Paul George was finally able to make his debut. Even with him back though, the team has never been fully healthy. Kawhi Leonard has dealt with knee issues. Landry Shamet is out still with a sprained ankle. Rodney McGruder has a hamstring strain. JaMychal Green bruised his tailbone in the team’s recent blowout of Washington.
December might be the month that this we finally get a glimpse of this team at full strength. That’s good news, as there are eight games against playoff teams from last season on the schedule this month along with a couple of up and coming teams.
Let’s take a look at the top five games that fans should watch this month.
1. December 3 – vs. Portland Trail Blazers
This game is tonight, so hopefully, you are reading this ahead of time! The Clippers host the Portland Trail Blazers with their recent addition Carmelo Anthony. Melo’s return to the NBA has been a success so far with the league even honoring him with Western Conference Player of the Week. While that award is more of a legacy “welcome back” type of award that he doesn’t actually deserve, no one can say he hasn’t been decent.
Through his three games last week, Melo averaged 22.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 0.7 steals. He probably won’t fare as well against the likes of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard though.
The Blazers obviously boast other star talents as well in the form of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The All-Star guard combo are capable scorers who can get scorching hot from the field in the blink of an eye.
The two teams already faced off once this season, with the Clippers prevailing 107-101 on November 7. Both Lillard and McCollum scored 22 points apiece, but that wasn’t enough to hold off Kawhi Leonard (27 points) and Lou Williams (26 points). This game obviously happened prior to Paul George’s return, so on paper, it should be an easier game.
Portland is a capable team even if their record doesn’t show it. With this game on national television, you know they’ll be ready for the challenge.