The Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers take on each other for the first time this season. Which STAPLES Center residents are going to roar to a victory?
Catch this game live on Saturday, December 4, at 11 AM, Manila time
Away: Los Angeles Clippers (11-11/2-4 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Reggie Jackson
- SG: Eric Bledsoe
- SF: Paul George
- PF: Serge Ibaka
- C: Ivica Zubac
The Clippers have hit the doldrums with three losses in a row. Only a few things scream louder of this kind of state for the team than its 124-115 loss at home to the Sacrament Kings last Thursday. In fact, all of the Clippers’ past three defeats came with them as the home team. Although the Clippers are will technically still be playing at home this coming Saturday, perhaps a change of floorboards will help them get out of their slump.
But what’s going to be a bigger impact for them would be the looming return of Paul George from a one-game absence. George sat out the Kings game to give his body some much-needed rest. The former Fresno State Bulldogs star has been doing the heavy lifting for his team this season for the Clippers, who are averaging 105.6 points per game. George leads LA in points (25.9 PPG) as well as assists (5.1 APG) and steals (1.8). The Clippers are 4-0 against the spread in their last four games against the Lakers.
Home: Los Angeles Lakers (12-11/8-6 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Russell Westbrook
- SG: Wayne Ellington
- SF: LeBron James
- PF: Anthony Davis
- C: Dwight Howard
Despite missing The King, the Lakers walloped the Kings last Wednesday on the road to the tune of a 117-92 score to win their second game in a row. But the biggest news for them is that LeBron James is expected to be available after clearing health and safety protocols. Also, the Lakers hope thatt Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook will continue to sustain their form.
Davis had 25 points and seven rebounds with two blocks and a pair of steals against the Kings, while Westbrook posted 23 points and six rebounds. The Lakers’ bench also stepped up with three players (Dwight Howard, Malik Monk, Carmelo Anthony) each scoring in double figures. Anthony and the Lakers’ backups have been hot of late, averaging 44.8 points on 50 FG% and 42.6 3FG% shooting in the last four games, during which the Purple & Gold have also covered the spread twice.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook take care of business with considerable help from the bench against the Clippers. Take the Lakers to cover (-1.5).
Over/Under: Both teams are well-rested. There will be fireworks this Saturday at STAPLES Center. Take the Over (214.5).
