The LA Clippers embark on a five-game road trip with a full healthy roster to end the year, with the first stop against the rolling Sixers. Keep reading for a full preview of the Clippers’ game against the Sixers.
Game Information
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
When: 4:30 PM PT
How to Watch: Clippervision, Bally Sports SoCal
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: Reggie Jackson – Paul George – Kawhi Leonard – Marcus Morris – Ivica Zubac
Sixers: Shake Milton – James Harden – Tobias Harris – P.J. Tucker – Joel Embiid
Injury Report
Clippers: John Wall (right ankle) questionable, Brandon Boston Jr. (G League Assignment), Jason Preston (G League Assignment), Moussa Diabate (G League Assignment).
Sixers: Tyrese Maxey (left foot) out, Saben Lee (G League Assignment), Julian Champagnie (G League Assignment).
The Big Picture
For the first time since the beginning of the season, the Clippers have a fully healthy roster. After the win against Charlotte on Wednesday, multiple players acknowledged that there was a different energy in the building and that it almost felt like opening night.
Throughout the game, there were flashes of what this team’s ceiling can be. It was a good win and a good chance for this team to starting building the type of rhythm and chemistry they have been unable to thus far with the rotating lineup.
They’ll get the opportunity to be tested on this upcoming road trip beginning with the Philadelphia 76ers. They will also face the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, two playoff teams in the Eastern Conference. They’ll see the Toronto Raptors who have had a difficult start to the season, but are a tough team nonetheless.
The offense was clicking for the Clippers with a season-high 126 points and 22 made three-pointers. For the most part, the defense looked strong as well. Even with their early struggles, the Clippers have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA; third in opponents points per game (107.5) and fourth in defensive rating (109.2). But they’ve been dead last in points per game (30th at 107.6) and offensive rating (29th at 109.2). You couldn’t tell the way they shot the ball against the Hornets. The type of ball movement and open shot making they displayed is hopefully a sign of things to come now that everyone is back in the lineup.
The Antagonist
The Sixers have had their struggles to begin this season, but they have seemingly turned things around and have seen the return of James Harden to the lineup after missing 14 games with a foot injury. They are still without rising star Tyrese Maxey, who is expected to be sidelined until next month sometime.
Currently, the Sixers are 6-0 on their homestand and playing some of the best basketball they’ve played all season. They’re second in the league in both opponents points per game and defensive rating so all the shots the Clippers got against the Hornets might not come so easy. They’re a middle of the pack offensive team though so the Clipper defense is going to be crucial to keep this game close.
