LA Clippers Look to Bounce Back Against Cleveland Cavs

Less than 24 hours after losing to the Brooklyn Nets in a potential NBA Finals matchup, the LA Clippers (16-6) are back on the court.

There is no way of calling a loss a good loss but there is serious hope for the team going forward. The starters, led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, feel positive despite having to play back-to-back. There are some concerns with the team as they prepare to face a talented, young Cavaliers team, led by guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland.

Tonight, the LA Clippers will conclude their six-game Eastern Conference road trip at the Cleveland Cavaliers (10-11).

The Clippers come into this game without their starting point guard in Patrick Beverley, who has not played in five games due to a knee injury. His defensive absence was severely missed as the Nets starting guard Kyrie Irving scored 39 points shooting 15-of-23 in field goals and 6-of-8 from the three-point arc. Sexton or Garland could have a huge shooting performance against the Clippers if Reggie Jackson is paired up against them.

Outside of Marcus Morris’ 16 points, the bench for the Clippers provided little to no impact against Brooklyn last night. Lou Williams and Ivica Zubac combined for six total points. Zubac was constantly overpowered and outrebounded by Nets center DeAndre Jordan. Luke Kennard was only put into the game for four minutes as his minutes have been reduced since Leonard and George took back their starting roles.

This game will require both Williams and Kennard to shoot more consistently, and Zubac needs to find his rhythm and intensity in the paint as he will compete against more talented veterans at the center position.

For the Cavs, power forward Kevin Love will be out,  as will power forward Larry Nance Jr. due to a wrist injury. Center Andre Drummond is questionable against the Clippers tonight. Center Jarrett Allen will look to provide more impact for Cleveland with or without Drummond in the lineup.

The LA Clippers will need to be efficient with the ball as Cleveland is second in the league in steals per game (9.3). The Cavaliers have eight players on their team that average at least a steal per game. Leonard could have a big game tonight against Cleveland as he will be matched up against rookie small forward Isaac Okoro.

Tonight could be a scoring duel between George and Sexton, who is turning into a high-caliber scorer in the NBA. The LA Clippers will be going into this game as a nine-point favorite, but the loss to the Nets will certainly be in the back of their minds. They could potentially take the frustration of the loss out on Cleveland as they seek a proper rebound performance.