LA Clippers Focus #3: Can Our Bigs Capitalize?
The LA Clippers big men have a serious opportunity here. With Karl-Anthony Towns missing time with an injury, the Clips will see a lot of Naz Reid at center.
Not to downplay anybody, of course, but the task of defending Reid will be a much more doable one than guarding KAT. I’m looking for Serge Ibaka and Ivica Zubac to have big defensive games, which will needed with the Wolves having such a potent guard attack.
In the T-Wolves last game, the Lakers held them to 91 points. They couldn’t find a way to make up for the loss of KAT on offense, and their guards had a very inefficient game. That’s what I’m hoping to see happen again.
On offense, the pick and pop game with Ibaka should feast. Neither Reid, who is a going center and still learning, nor any of the Wolves’ guards scare me when defending the screener, and I expect Serge to see several wide-open looks off of those plays.
If the Clips pull off a victory, it will of course be on the backs of our stars, PG and Kawhi (if he plays). But don’t be surprised to see Ibaka and Zu contribute a bunch to the win – against the Lakers, Zubac was tied for the team-high in plus-minus.
If our bigs can take advantage of this opportunity, I expect to see a W at the end of the day. On the other hand, if they can’t get into a rhythm, it could be a long day for the good guys.
How are you feeling about the game? Do you think the LA Clippers pull off a win? Let us know on social media, and keep following along here on Clipperholics!