Clippers vs. Sacramento - Game Preview
by Steve Perrin on Apr 10, 2009 1:00 AM PDT
in Game Previews
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2008/2009 NBA Regular Season
vs.
18-60 16-62
Staples Center
April 10th, 2009, 7:30 PM
No local TV, 710 AM
Probable starters:
Baron Davis
PG
Beno Udrih
Eric Gordon
SG
Francisco Elson
Fred Jones
SF
Andres Nocioni
Brian Skinner
PF
Jason Thompson
DeAndre Jordan
C
Spencer Hawes
The Back Story:
- November 12, 2008 in LA - Sacramento 103 - Clippers 98 box score recap
- December 30, 2008 in Sacramento - Sacramento 92 - Clippers 90 box score recap
- February 27, 2009 in Sacramento - Minnesota 98 - Clippers 86 box score recap
The Big Picture:
This one is for all some of the marbles ping pong balls. There's nothing quite so pathetic as an end of the season NBA game between two teams with no incentive to win, who would in fact rather lose in order to improve their position in the draft lottery. Unfortunately, that's what we have here. The Clippers would appear to have the edge in this particular suck-fest. Zach Randolph is suspended, Al Thornton (shoulder) and Marcus Camby (ankle) are likely done for the season, and Chris Kaman has a perpetual case of the flu (maybe we should invest in some sort of bubble to help keep Mr. Flippy healthy). On top of all that, DeAndre Jordan left the game Tuesday with a strained Achilles tendon. With Brian Skinner, Steve Novak and five guards, the Clippers were outrebounded by the T-Wolves 62-34. And the Kings are a LOT bigger than the T-Wolves. So there's a very good chance that the Clippers will close to within a game of the worst record tonight. Whether Sacramento can beat any other team in the final week of the season is quite another story. If you're actually looking for something positive out of this game, I guess it's going to have to come from Eric Gordon or Baron Davis. Gordon killed the Kings in preseason and again in the one game he started against them this season scoring 24. But Baron has been sub-atrocious - averaging 12 points on 11 for 45 shooting. Eeek.
The Antagonist:
The Kings are likely to be without leading scorer and best player Kevin Martin, whose ankle has not been right all season. So basically, for the second game in a row, the Staples Center crowd will be watching two bottom dwelling teams, playing without their best players. Now that's what I call FAN-tastic! The Kings come into the game on a six game losing streak, matching the Clippers for the longest active losing streak in the league. But only one of them can emerge loss-torious. The Kings have a grand total of 16 wins this season - and 3 of them have come against the Clippers. That's like, statistically impossible. They can probably have the best of both worlds - the satisfaction of sweeping the Clippers AND the most ping pong balls - all they have to do is win this one and then lose their last three. That shouldn't be too hard. Without Martin, it's hard to say who the Kings will rely on. Andres Nocioni?
The Subplots:
- Off to Mexico. I'm done watching Clippers basketball for the season, thank FSM. I'll be in Cabo San Lucas, snorkeling and surfing and hanging out. Citizen moKi will have your recap tonight, IIRC. By the way, I need volunteers to write recaps for the Jazz and the Thunder. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Be advised that the OKC game is not on local TV, so you'll need to be in Staples or have League Pass to see that one. If you want to take one on, let me know in the comments. I'll have the laptop in Mexico, but I'm not planning to spend a lot of time online. It's a vacation, you know?
- Rebounding. If Kaman and/or Jordan don't play, the Clippers will likely be destroyed on the boards again. I'd really like to see Eric Gordon get in there and battle more than he does. He's so strong and so athletic, there's really no excuse for him not getting more rebounds than he does. It's clearly one of the things he has to work on. But size is going to be a problem regardless - with Fred Jones playing small forward, he'll have to defend either Nocioni or Jason Thompson, and he's just not big enough for either guy.
- Baron Davis. Surely Baron knows how badly he's played against the Kings this season. I mean, he's shot 4 for 15, 3 for 17 and 4 for 13 in the three games. It's not a stretch to say that he lost all three of those single handedly. Does he remember? Does he care? We'll see how he plays tonight, but one would think that some pride would get involved at some point.
- Eric Gordon. EJ scored 33 points in 31 minutes in a pre-season game against the Kings way back in October, and scored a eam high 24 points in the December loss. He wasn't in the rotation in the first game, and was injured during the third game. So he's been very good against the Kings this season. Another 40 point outburst might get some all NBA rookie team voters' attention.
- Superstar for one game. Jason Thompson. His career highs are 23 points and 19 rebounds. I say he goes for 25 and 20 against the teeny tiny Clippers tonight.
-
Movie Quote:
Pirelli - Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007). Tim Burton. What are we going to do about Tim Burton? The first five or six movies he directed were all amazing (and throw Nightmare Before Xmas into that amazing group too, although he didn't actually direct that one). But beginning with Mars Attacks! he's been in a major slump. I mean, Big Fish was pretty good. But something's just not right in his later movies. I blame Helena Bonham Carter. As for Sweeney, filming the play was fine - it's a great play, and the look of the movie was great (although it certainly went overboard on the gore). Sacha Baron Cohen was great as Pirelli. But Johnny Depp and HBC just didn't have the musical chops to play those roles. It didn't help that Burton cast major singers in the roles of Johanna and Anthony and the Beggar Woman. I mean, you give Mary Poppins from the West End a tiny singing part, and ask Johnny Depp to carry your musical? It just doesn't make sense.I am Adolfo Pirelli, da king of da barbers, da barber of kings, e buon giorno, good day. I blow you a kiss! And I, the so famous Pirelli, I wish-a to know who has-a da nerve-a to say my Elixir is piss! Who says this?
- Get the Kings perspective at Sactown Royalty.
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I know theres not exactly a ton of Clippers information out there
but has anyone heard/read if DJ or Kaman are available tonight? I didn’t really hear how bad the DJ injury was— or if Kaman has a case of bubonic plague…
I think this could possibly the worst game this year.
Both teams are not trying to lose, this could be like the final game in 2005 vs. the Blazers. I’m not watching this game
isn't writing thsi blog like being on vacation?
Roger Sterling: I bet there were people in the Bible walking around, complaining about "kids today."
Don Draper: Kids today, they have no one to look up to. Cuz they're looking up to us.
j/k! Have a good time
Roger Sterling: I bet there were people in the Bible walking around, complaining about "kids today."
Don Draper: Kids today, they have no one to look up to. Cuz they're looking up to us.
by Lawler's Law on Apr 10, 2009 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions
fill in
If you got an opening for a game I’d love to write up a recap.
Money Issues
Don’t speak too soon about the small lineup. According to the tiny LA Times box, Kaman practiced yesterday. It makes sense for Kaman to suit up and play, especially after the Minnesota rebounding debacle and DJordan going down. Kaman had the flu, for the second time in a month, but he does get paid a whole lot of money to try to play in these basketball games, regardless of whether they mean anything.
But Camby is a better story. Camby was hobbled and had a genuine ankle sprain, but it was pointed out a few days ago that he needed to play two more games in order to hit a healthy incentive number—500,000 dollars, to be exact. So here’s where it gets interesting, in a standard Clipper pathetic way. In normal circumstances, Camby would shut things down for the season. And that would benefit the team, which of course wants to lose games in a semi-respectable fashion at this point. But who wouldn’t try to limp around through a couple of meaningless games if you had the chance to pick up half a million? And does that limping around just kill DTS, make him nuts? The fact that it’s two games helps DTS, because he can’t really go out there and play a couple of minutes, decide he can’t really go, and still pick up the check—he has to be able to play well enough in one game for it to make sense or seem reasonable for him to appear in a second game.
Bottom line is that Camby practiced yesterday.
So then
We’re possibly looking at a starting lineup of:
Davis
Gordon
Jones
Camby
Kaman.
Ya, that lineup should definately beat Sacramento….
by Michael White on Apr 10, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
I can write a recap for the OKC game
I’ll be at the game and wouldn’t mind writing a recap. I’ll even try to stay positive and not vent.
FA in 2010.
please describe how loud the “fire dunleavy” chants get because as the final loss of the season, yes im already predicting a loss, it should be pretty hectic
So then you are predicting the Clippers beat the Blazers on Saturday :)
by Michael White on Apr 10, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Last game
Hi all…I’m going to the game tonight for the last time this season…hoping for a win!
by ClippersSpiritTaylor on Apr 10, 2009 2:36 PM PDT reply actions
Wow!
are you volunteering to write a recap? LOL….will you try out for the team next year?
Roger Sterling: I bet there were people in the Bible walking around, complaining about "kids today."
Don Draper: Kids today, they have no one to look up to. Cuz they're looking up to us.
by Lawler's Law on Apr 10, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
We don't want a win Taylor...
we want an extra ping pong ball to get Blake! You should root for the Kings tonight. Short term pain for long term gain, though there are no gurantees…especially when it comes to our Clips.
Taylor!
We miss you Taylor! You should hang out here with us geeks more often.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Apr 10, 2009 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions
francisco elson
i didnt know he played shooting guard. i know he’ll have a hard time guarding eric.
Dodgers - 2008 NL West Champions
Cardinals - 2008 NFC Champions
I still don't understand why they retired Divac's jersey
and also Webber to a lesser extent. I think they just retired them just for the sake of retiring something. I’m surprise Sac didn’t build them a statue like Jordan and Magic’s…
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Two Free Tickets To Tonights Game To The First Person Who Responds.
Good Seats Lower Level, Section 114. I’ve only got about 5 minutes before I leave so please include your e-mail address and name so I can forward them.
I guess I got home too late. Too bad I couldn't forward them.
Someone would have liked them. Clipshow?
if its still possible, ill take them I live close to staples. andrewexd@yahoo.com Sam Shin (my brother)
Andrew, I worked too late today and ran out of time. My apologizies. If I can't make
it to the next game I’ll send them to you.
by eastie Rich on Apr 10, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions
did't work 4 me
Roger Sterling: I bet there were people in the Bible walking around, complaining about "kids today."
Don Draper: Kids today, they have no one to look up to. Cuz they're looking up to us.
by Lawler's Law on Apr 10, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions
did it ask to download a swf file?
Roger Sterling: I bet there were people in the Bible walking around, complaining about "kids today."
Don Draper: Kids today, they have no one to look up to. Cuz they're looking up to us.
by Lawler's Law on Apr 10, 2009 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions
No, it opened right up in a new window…
by Michael White on Apr 10, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
hhhmmm
Roger Sterling: I bet there were people in the Bible walking around, complaining about "kids today."
Don Draper: Kids today, they have no one to look up to. Cuz they're looking up to us.
by Lawler's Law on Apr 10, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
wrong gender, im a girl.
dont we usually have a seperate game thread from the preview?
You didn't
But I genuinely feel bad. I try to never make those kind of assumptions, particularly on a forum like this.
I apologize.
by Michael White on Apr 10, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodgers are getting blown out
I wish I could change the channel to the Clips. Oh well, live feeds are pretty cool…
clippers cant blow this big of a lead can they? :/ i hate when we have a huge lead because we always let the other teams come back…
Nah,
Sacramento is pretty useless. This isn’t exactly Lebron we’re dealing with
by Michael White on Apr 10, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
EJ!
gordon has a really good statline so far.
12 Pts, 3 Rebs, 4 Assists 4-6 shooting. 2-2 from 3
okay
I just started watching but the Kings has gotta be tanking… Seriously, losing this badly to the Clips?
I hope karma gets them.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
I dont think they're tanking
I mean, our starting five (even without Randolph) is much, much more talented than Sacramento…
by Michael White on Apr 10, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Is K Mart playing?
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
uh yeah...
just felt lazy typing up his whole name :)
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Come on
They gotta be tanking… no one can play this sloppily
WOW
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
do they have to be down 30 to lose ? goodness… how does tanking work anyway ? do the players draw this up or is the coach and the players ?
lol
Don’t worry about me. I wasn’t 100% serious when I said this statement.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
I'm guessing the camera man
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Bring in DJ!!!
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Not sure if he's dressed
can you see him?
by Michael White on Apr 10, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions
oh yeah
forgot he was injured
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
how did sac get Ike diogu from Portland?
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
he was pretty good with the pacers last year
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
these sac announcers just hate baron
“i don’t think baron established position inbounds on that one”
“davis carried the ball before finding the UNSTOPPABLE brian skinner”
Thanks Master Yoda
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
WOw
great game from Skinner.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
EJ
+33
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
B. Davis 7-14
when was the last time we’ve seen this?
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Yeah
DJ is in
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
How did Kaman not rebound that?
That ball looked like fresh fish
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Nice
DJ is learning not to force dunk it all the time
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
by yourself?
I don’t know if you’ll get that far with all the cholesterol.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
I hope DJ gets the rest of the min
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Wait
what happened to AL?
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Out for the year
separated shoulder i think
by Michael White on Apr 10, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks
But when did this happen?
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
remember his earlier injury ? I think it was his foot, he was out for like 2 games and then it was updated that he seperated his shoulder so that ends his season
i c
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
lol
Also, its incredible that Acker wears a No. 3, one of the most popular numbers that players usually pick.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
well... that's just the way the night's gone
these guys sound so dejected haha
Skinner for MVP!
Fans should say it when he goes to the FT line.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Blazers just beat the Lakers
Which means, they’ll think they have home court wrapped up. We will crush them tomorrow!
I’m heading to Staples for the game tomorrow night
Sac Clipper Darryl
was just shown on TV
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
Great game guys
I’m out.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
i hope that skinner and EJ are this hot tomorrow when we play portland. would love to get a win there
DJ
has a +0 which is pretty rare
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
by cliptakular on Apr 10, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Clips win
maybe SP needs to got o Mexico more often (just teasin Sp)
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
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