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LA Clippers: 3 things to watch for in season opener vs. Lakers

By Ryan Snellings

Dec 11, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Serge Ibaka (9) and Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) go up for a jump ball to start the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Serge Ibaka (9) and Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) go up for a jump ball to start the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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LA Clippers, Nicolas Batum
LA Clippers Nicolas Batum Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Here are three things to watch for in the LA Clippers’ opener versus the Lakers.

It’s here! Tonight, the LA Clippers tip off the 2020-21 NBA season versus the Los Angeles Lakers in an empty Staples Center.

Following a disappointing end to last season, the Clippers look to get back on track against the reigning NBA champions. Opening night against the defending champs is no easy game, especially when they have improved their roster from last year, adding the top two Sixth Man of the Year candidates.

With a tough game against them, let’s take a look at three things we should watch for from the LA Clippers tonight:

1. What will the LA Clippers get out of Nicolas Batum?

Just like last season, the Clippers won’t have their whole roster available in the season opener. Marcus Morris will sit out as he tends to knee soreness that also kept him out of the entire preseason. In his place, Nicolas Batum will likely get the start.

Batum came to LA in free agency after leaving the Charlotte Hornets. Batum had not played well with Charlotte after signing a large deal to join them originally. With the Clippers, he hopes to find new life as part of a contender.

When he signed, most thought, “meh”. Batum is definitely not a needle-moving type of guy but does bring a nice veteran presence off the bench. He is a capable three point shooter, connecting on 35.7% during his career. He’s also a good playmaker, especially as a secondary one. As a defender, Batum can also hold his own.

All in all, Batum is decent. Not great. Not bad. Just decent. Tonight against the Lakers though, he needs to lean more towards the “good”. Batum will see minutes against Anthony Davis, one of the most difficult players in the league to guard. While we have to assume he won’t stop Davis, Batum will have to do his best to limit him.

His success in that area, along with any support on the offensive end could be key to this victory. No, we probably won’t get the same production out of him that we would with a healthy Morris on the court but the Clippers absolutely need something out of him.

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