The Clippers will try to right their ship against a young and exciting Hornets squad led by presumed Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball. Read on for a full preview of the Clippers’ game against the Hornets.
Game Information
When: 7:00 PM PT
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
How to Watch: Fox Sports Prime Ticket, AM 570
Projected Starting Lineups
Hornets: LaMelo Ball – Terry Rozier – Gordon Hayward – PJ Washington – Bismack Biyombo
Clippers: Reggie Jackson – Paul George – Kawhi Leonard – Marcus Morris – Ivica Zubac
Injuries
Hornets: Cody Zeller Out (Shoulder), Terry Rozier Questionable (Leg)
Clippers: Patrick Beverley Out (Knee), Serge Ibaka Questionable (Back)
The Big Picture
The Clippers have lost eight of their last 13 games, and worries around the team have grown exponentially. Their defense has been inconsistent at best, and that’s resulted in several embarrassing losses, with the worst coming at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans last weekend. Now, the Clippers have been dealing with injuries (notably to Patrick Beverley), but at this point of the season, that’s less of an excuse and more of a serious concern regarding this team’s health and cohesion. The Clippers’ lack of reps together was a huge issue last season, and it’s looking to be a similar problem this year. In the short-term, the Clippers have fallen from the 2 seed to the 4, and aren’t that far above the pack of teams (especially the Nuggets) below them. In a Western Conference that has a tough top tier, seeding is important – the difference between the 3 and 5 seeds is simply massive. The Clippers need to get healthy, but they also just need to start winning games at some point.
The Antagonist
The Hornets, by contrast, have maybe exceeded expectations more than any other team. They sit at 20-20, in sixth place in the (admittedly lackluster) Eastern Conference, and also as maybe the favorite league pass team of neutral observers in the entire NBA. They are powered by LaMelo Ball, who has in half a season proven himself to be the future of the Hornets franchise, and also one of the most entertaining players in the league. Ball has had plenty of help, however, including from Gordon Hayward (once again at a fringe All-Star level), Terry Rozier (having a career season), and PJ Washington and Miles Bridges (two exciting young forwards). The Hornets, quite simply, are a good team, and the fact that their key player is just 19 is a promising sign for their future. They’re also highly athletic and play uptempo, and could make the Clippers look very foolish if they’re able to push the pace.
Notes
The Clippers Best Theoretical Lineup: In the last game against the Mavericks, we saw for the first time all season a lineup that might be the Clippers’ best when push come to shove. This lineup features Paul George at “point guard”, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, and Ivica Zubac. This jumbo lineup is lacking in quickness and doesn’t have a ton of ball-handling or playmaking, but it’s stacked regarding shooting and defense. It’s also one of the only lineups that the Clippers could play that could truly “switch everything”, a useful defensive tactic in the playoffs. Not having Beverley’s energy or Lou Williams’ playmaking is tough, but this lineup is one that could be very, very good, especially if they’re able to get reps. If Ibaka remains out, this is a unit that I hope Ty Lue goes to in this one.
Controlling the Pace: As mentioned above, the Hornets play fast (10th in the NBA in pace), while the Clippers play slow. The Clippers, relatedly, are old and have some plodders, while the Hornets are young and athletic. Therefore, this game could well come down to who controls the pace. If the Hornets can force turnovers and get out in the fast break, they will be able to hammer the Clippers’ league-worst transition defense. Conversely, if the Clippers can avoid turnovers and are able to methodically attack, they should have the capability to pound a less-than-stellar Hornets’ defense. A fast-paced game will give the Hornets a big edge, a slower one will grant the Clippers the advantage, and either way could decide the game.
That about does it for this game preview of the Clippers’ showdown against the thrilling Hornets. Give your thoughts on the game (as well as the ongoing March Madness) in the comments below!
