Watch out for an angry Clippers team
The LA Clippers were completely outclassed by the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, 119-91. The hyped match-up that finally featured all key players turned into a rout, as the Clippers allowed a 39-9 run in the second half that officially put the game out of reach. Following the loss, the Clipps fell into a 16-7 record.
Such an embarrassing defeat, of course, fuel elite squads to perform at an insane level, and we’ll likely see it tomorrow. Last week, when the Clippers got upset by the San Antonio Spurs, 107-97, it was the Washington Wizards that received the blunt of the frustration. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both scored over 30 and combined for 65 points, while Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams came off the bench to contribute 23 and 22 points, respectively. The foursome powered the team in 150-125 victory, the Clippers’ season-high in points.
Though the Clipps are only 3-6 outside Staples Center and have also lost back-to-back road games, they are still a good look against the Wizards.
In for another beating?
The Wizards enter the contest with a 7-14 record. They have only compiled consecutive wins once this season and will be coming off a 112-103 loss to the Miami Heat.
Stopping or at least containing opponents has been the season-long problem of the Wizards (121.9 PAPG, 30th), which, as we’ve said previously, is very frustrating since they are among the league’s top scoring offenses (118.3 PPG, 3rd).
With inept defense and the Clippers’ vengeful mood, we will likely witness another long night for the Wizards. They gave up a whopping 150 points in their recent encounter and there’s no reason to believe they won’t let that happen again.
The best bet for the Wizards right now, which isn’t much when it’s against a defensively talented opponent, is to hope that their offense will be enough. Bradley Beal and rising rookie Rui Hachimura will be the main weapons for the Wiz – Beal is fifth in the league in scoring this season at 28.3 PPG while Hachimura poured in a career-high 30 points in last week’s meeting with the Clippers. Davis Bertans, meanwhile, is the key man from the second unit. He’s averaging 17.4 PPG in his last 10 games.
The Wizards are 4-5 at home this season.
PREDICTION:
The Clippers will easily dispatch the Wizards again. They win, 120-105.
