The Clippers travel to Phoenix to take on a Western Conference giant. Oh boy. Read on for this full preview of the Clippers’ rematch against the Suns.
Game Information
Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
When: 7:00 PM PT
How to Watch: TNT, Bally Sports West, AM 570 KLAC
Starting Lineups
Clippers: Reggie Jackson — Eric Bledsoe — Terance Mann — Marcus Morris Sr. — Serge Ibaka
Suns: Chris Paul — Devin Booker — Mikal Bridges — Cameron Johnson — Jalen Smith
Injuries
Clippers: OUT — Kawhi Leonard (ACL), Paul George (elbow), Jason Preston (foot), Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle), Ivica Zubac (COVID-19), Luke Kennard (COVID-19); QUESTIONABLE — Nicolas Batum (ankle), Brandon Boston Jr. (reconditioning)
Suns: OUT — Dario Saric (ACL), Frank Kaminsky (knee), Deandre Ayton (reconditioning), JaVale McGee (reconditioning), Jae Crowder (reconditioning), Landry Shamet (COVID-19), Abdel Nader (COVID-19)
The Big Picture and the Antagonist
. . . is that miracles do happen. And it’s going to take something near that for the Clippers to pull this one out.
It seems appropriate to discuss these two teams together. This is the Western Conference Finals rematch that isn’t. Sorry, TNT. The Clippers have some recent upsets to their name, but the Nets and Celtics are higher variance teams with a habit for occasional belly flops. These Suns are metronomic.
Chris Paul doesn’t lose games like this often. We know that more intimately than most. Since his arrival, the Suns have established a high floor. Like the Lob City Clippers, they fatten up on games like this. Don’t expect them to mess around.
True, the Suns are without their two best big men, Deandre Ayton and JaVale McGee. They may miss Jae Crowder’s physicality and Landry Shamet’s volatility. But their best player remains, as does their second-best player, and as does four-fifths of their preferred starting lineup.
So, what would a Clipper victory look like? Eric Bledsoe, once the understudy, upstages Chris Paul for a night. Marcus Morris Sr. plays isolation ace against slimmer defenders. Reggie Jackson finds his playoff self. Serge Ibaka finds the fountain of youth. Terance Mann finds the range. Tyronn Lue, who will return to the bench after a stay in the health and safety protocols, finds the magic formula.
I would be more optimistic with a different piece or two. Ivica Zubac could eat against this downsized Phoenix squad. Luke Kennard would bring the possibility of a flame-thrower. The Clippers that will suit up seem too rickety, too inflammable. Who in this lineup can really blow up?
It’s a weeknight in January, and it’ll probably be a loss. But maybe it will be a win to remember.
Game Thread
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