San Antonio’s unbeaten home record will get a stiff challenge from the Clippers in a re-match of a Western Conference first-round playoff series. The Spurs ended last season with a loss in LA after dropping two home games in the series. They said protecting home court was a priority and they meant it, going 14-0 at ATT Center following Tuesdays win over Washington.
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TRAVEL
A trip back to Los Angeles was so short the Clippers didn’t bother unpacking their bags. Completing a five-game road trip with a win over Detroit on Monday, the Clips arrived home early Tuesday. They dispatched the Bucks 103-90 at Staples Center on Wednesday before getting back on a plane for a two-game Texas trip that starts Friday in San Antonio. Logistically speaking, it would have been easier to fly from Detroit to Milwaukee and then to San Antonio. And coach Doc Rivers said he lobbied to have the game against the Bucks moved when the NBA schedule was released. His request was denied because of arena availability.
So with what rest they have gotten, be it in hotels or airports, the Clippers face a Spurs team that has yet to lose on its home floor going 14-0 SU and 10-4 ATS. And the Spurs, though a year older and what’s left of the hair on the heads of the big three getting more gray, still remember how last season ended. It was the upstart Clippers knocking San Antonio out of the playoffs in a seven-game first-round stunner.
INJURIES
Coach Gregg Popovich gave center Tim Duncan a night of rest Wednesday when the Spurs defeated Washington. With a day off before the Clippers game and two days off after, it’s likely the big three of Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginibili will all play against Los Angeles.
KEY MATCHUP
Chris Paul presents a huge problem for the Spurs. The Clippers point guard is back to feeling healthy after missing several games with a rib injury and has helped the Clips win nine of their past 11 games. He had a dynamite series in the playoff win over San Antonio, twice going for over 30 points. His speed and quickness are more than Tony Parker can handle and when Paul drives to the basket his options increase. If the Spurs’ bigs switch, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are always hovering around the basket waiting for easy buckets. If they don’t, Paul has a clear path to the hoop. Paul is exceptional at breaking down defenders with his ability to drain mid-range jumpers and defenders have to follow him to the three-point line because he’s adept at draining the long ball as well. He’s averaging 11.4 assists over the last five games simply because of that reason. It’ll be tough against the Spurs’ hyperactive defense, but it can be done. And Paul is one that can do it.
ODDS AND PREDICTION
San Antonio’s unblemished home record will get a serious challenge in the form of the Clippers, who won at the ATT Center twice in last season’s first-round playoff win. The Spurs have been lounging around in the midst of a four-game homestand and prepare for a Clippers team that has spent more time in a plane than on the court. The Clippers will pose a threat, but their undisciplined style – they lead the NBA in technical fouls – will be no match for the poised and controlled play of San Antonio. With LaMarcus Aldridge starting to fit into the lineup, Duncan ready to go after a night off Wednesday, and Kawhi Leonard playing at another level, it’s hard to envision the Spurs losing. And they might not drop a home game all season.
San Antonio 109, Los Angeles 103
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