Quick Preview and Game Thread: Clippers Take on Lowly Cavs in return to Staples

Game Information:

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

When: 12:30 PM PT

How to watch/listen: Fox Sports Prime Ticket, AM 570

Projected Starting Lineups:

Cavs: Collin Sexton - Cedi Osman - David Nwaba - Kevin Love - Tristan Thompson

Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Pat Beverley - Landry Shamet - Danilo Gallinari - Ivica Zubac

Injury Report:

Cavs: Matthew Dellevadova Concussion - Out, J.R. Smith - Away From Team, John Henson Wrist Surgery - Out

Clippers: Pat Beverley Right Hip Pointer - Probable, Danilo Gallinari Sore Left Ankle - Questionable, Luc Mbah a Moute Left Knee Surgery - Out

Notes:

Trappity trap game: The Clippers played the Cavs just over a week ago, and barely escaped with a win in Cleveland as Jordan Clarkson’s jumper rimmed out. While the Cavs are a much better team with Love, Thompson, and Larry Nance Jr. all healthy, they’re still pretty bad, and the Clippers can’t fool around against them. It will be nice for the Clips to be at home in this one: let’s hope the Clips don’t let the Staples fans down.

Who will play?: While Pat Beverley is probable to play in this one after missing 1.5 games with a hip pointer, Gallo is questionable with a sore left ankle. Seeing as the Clips rested Lou Williams against the Bucks, it will be interesting if they rest anyone (especially Gallo) in this one. In games they should (and need to) win for playoff positioning, it makes sense to play all your guys, especially when they’re as vital as Lou and Gallo are. Hopefully the Clippers are able to win this one handily, limiting key players’ minute limits that way.

Shai vs Sexton part 2: In the first game, both Shai and Sexton stood out in their respective ways. Sexton demonstrated his scoring and aggressiveness, repeatedly driving to the basket in the first half, as well as draining a couple threes. Shai went to the rim too, but also showed off his defense and passing, manipulating the Cavs’ defense with ease to find open players. It should be fun to watch the two rookie point guards go at it again today.

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