In a bad mood
The LA Clippers ended their six-game road trip in defeat as they got overwhelmed by the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, 109-106, with Kawhi Leonard’s load management delivering another hit.
The Clippers are more than fine, though. It’s only their third loss in 16 games and currently stand at 20-8 overall, ranking second in the Western Conference standings.
With the loss to the Bulls and the 130-122 upset against the Phoenix Suns last October, expect to see a laser-focused Clippers that’s going for a blowout victory.
Kawhi Leonard (25.8 PPG) and Paul George (24.8 PPG) will likely be available. Look for the two to score in bunches, particularly the latter, as he was still sidelined during the first meeting. Lou Williams (19.9 PPG) and Montrezl Harell (19.1 PPG), meanwhile, are again out to lead the supporting cast.
The Clipps are 13-1 at home this season.
Continuing to tumble down
The 11-15 Suns are continuing to tumble down the standings. After Tuesday’s 111-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, they are now losers of three-straight and in 11 of their last 15 games.
Correcting our previous article, DeAndre Ayton’s return date from suspension is tomorrow, December 18th.
Nevertheless, he’s in good position to cause problems for the Clippers’ frontline, and will be in an interesting match-up opposite Montrezl Harrell. Ayton logged 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocked shots in his lone appearance this season.
The opportunities will also mount for the Suns’ young big man as Devin Booker is still nursing his forearm, an injury that has caused him to miss the team’s last two games. Additionally, his other Suns teammates will be on the second night of a back-to-back.
If Booker is unavailable, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Ricky Rubio will look to take his spot in attacking from the perimeter. Both are coming off solid performances, with Oubre scoring a team-high 24 points against the Blazers and Rubio dropping a triple-double (10 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists) and averaging 16 points and 12.8 assists per game in his last six outings.
The Suns are 5-5 on the road this season.
PREDICTION:
The Clippers avenge their loss with a 114-102 win. Their ever-reliable foursome will lead the aggressive charge.
