The Philadelphia 76ers and the LA Clippers are both enjoying undefeated streaks, but one’s good times will stop rolling this Sunday, as they lock horns in Tinseltown.
Catch this game live on Sunday, March 28, at 10 AM, Manila time
HOME TEAM: LA Clippers (30-16, 15-6 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Reggie Jackson
- SG: Paul George
- SG: Terance Mann
- PF: Patrick Patterson
- C: Ivica Zubac
Even with a banged-up roster that was missing bodies last Friday, the Clippers pulled off a 98-85 road win over the San Antonio Spurs for their fourth win in a row. The Clippers didn’t have Marcus Morris Sr., Serge Ibaka, and Kawhi Leonard active for that game, but Paul George (28 points) and Reggie Jackson (24 points) were enough to carry the team.
Morris and Leonard are both deemed questionable to play against the Sixers, while Ibaka has already been ruled out. But at least the Clippers will have George, who’s been a bit of an under-appreciated player this season while taking over the table-setting duties for the team.
In fact, George is leading the Clippers with a 24.7 AST% to go with a 118.6 ORTG. Even without Ibaka, the Clippers can rely on Ivica Zubac, who’s been quietly produced 10.8 points and 8.4 rebounds in the last 10 games. The Clippers have covered the spread in all of their last four outings.
ROAD TEAM: Philadelphia 76ers (32-13, 13-9 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Ben Simmons
- SG: Seth Curry
- SF: Danny Green
- PF: Mike Scott
- PF: Tobias Harris
The 76ers extended their win streak to four games after becoming the latest team to benefit from the absences of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, beating the Los Angeles Lakers in Hollywood last Friday, 109-91. Danny Green had a rare outburst in the Lakers game, scoring 28 points on the strength of 8-of-12 shooting from deep.
The Sixers have been especially accurate on their long shots of late, making 39.3 percent of their shots in their last four games.
It’s been a huge help for Philly’s offense which continues to excel even during the absence of Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined with a left knee injury. The Sixers’ sustained success without Embiid shows how valuable the pair of Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris is, with the two making sure the void temporarily left by the Cameroonian big man will not go uncovered.
The Sixers are averaging 117.0 points on 49.1 FG% in their last 10 games. Philly is also 26-17-2 ATS so far this season.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread:
Even if Kawhi Leonard ultimately sits out this game, the Clippers are still in good hands with Paul George leading the charge. The Sixers are on a winning streak of their own, but they’ve only defeated the likes of the Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors, the Sacramento Kings, and the G League-quality Los Angeles Lakers during their run. With or without Leonard, the Clippers will be a stronger beast to tame for the Sixers. Take the Clippers to win straight up and cover the -3.5.
Over/Under:
The Sixers love to run, but don’t expect them to keep up a fast pace without Embiid’s rebounding. The Clippers also prefer half-court sets. Take the under 224.5.
