The two LA teams meet while on the opposite sides of the spectrum, with the Clippers surging and the Lakers floundering.

Catch the game tomorrow at  10:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: LA Clippers (22-12, 8-8 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• James Harden
• Paul George (day-to-day) / Amir Coffey
• Terrence Mann
• Kawhi Leonard
• Ivica Zubac

The Clippers are continuing to rise. They have won five in a row and are 13-2 over their last 15 games, averaging 121.5 points per game and only giving up 114.1 in that span. It sure looks like the group has figured it out.

As opposed to the rough start, things are now what it seems when you put four future Hall-of-Famers together alongside a competitive supporting cast. Kawhi Leonard headlines the charge with 28.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in his last 14 outings, topped off by an astounding shooting split of 60.0 / 52.9 / 90.1. 

Paul George (23.2 PPG) is complimenting Leonard nicely, with James Harden also finding his spot well, dishing out double-digit assists in four-straight games. Russell Westbrook isn’t a statsheet monster anymore, but who needs it when he’s playing solid defense.

The Clipps lost to the Lakers in overtime last November 2nd, 130-125, but are in prime position to get sweet revenge.

HOME: Los Angeles Lakers (17-19, 11-6 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• D’Angelo Russell (out) / Austin Reaves
• Cam Reddish
• Taurean Prince
• LeBron James
• Anthony Davis

The In-Season Tournament champs are in shambles. They are just 3-10 in their last 13 games, scoring 114.7 points and allowing 120.2 in return. On Thursday, they lost by 14 to the Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat and allowed eight Heat players to reach double-figures. Then, on Saturday, they got smacked by the Memphis Grizzlies by the same amount while also giving up 23 threes – and that’s with LeBron James and Anthony Davis both scoring over 30-plus points.

What the Lakers will hold on for tomorrow, however, is that aforementioned win vs. the Clipps in their last matchup, so be prepared for these energy on the respective scenarios:

As always, James and Davis will have to do the heavy-lifting, with Austin Reaves (21.7 PPG in his last three) providing ample help as the third man. They are having fine campaigns statistically speaking, but haven’t done a good job leading the group – not that the supporting cast is contributing well, though. 

D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura aren’t expected to play, and the Lake Show hope to have better play from the likes of  Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Wood.

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Clippers (-3.5) win and cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes over 232.