Clippers vs. Lakers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
The Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers will do battle for the second time in this young season and further what is beginning to evolve into a legitimate rivalry. With both teams scuffling a bit as of late, a win could really help build some momentum.
At 9-5, the Clippers hold a one-game lead over the Lakers in the Pacific Division, although they have been forced to play without superstar point guard and almost-Laker Chris Paul for the past five games. There is a distinct possibility that Paul will return to face the Lakers, however, and that would be huge since he dropped 33 points when the teams first met.
The Lakers have faced the most difficult and condensed schedule in the league to this point, and it shows, as their record stands at 10-8. They have lost three consecutive games and have struggled to get consistent production from anyone outside of Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The Lakers need a win, period, but a win over the Clippers would be even better.
The Clippers are looking to ascend to the point where they are considered an elite team in the Western Conference, while the Lakers are looking to remain as a top dog. This game won't necessarily decide that, but a win certainly wouldn't hurt either team.
Where: Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 10:30 p.m. EST
Watch: NBA TV
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Listen: KFWB 980 AM (Clippers) and KSPN 710 AM (Lakers)
Betting Line: Lakers (-3.5)
Clippers Key Injuries (According to CBS Sports)
Questionable: PG Chris Paul (hamstring)
Probable: PF Brian Cook (ankle)
Lakers Key Injuries (According to CBS Sports)
Out: PG Steve Blake (rib), Derrick Caracter (knee)
What's at Stake?
In terms of the here and now, first place in the Pacific Division is up for grabs in this game, as the Lakers are just one game back. With so many games remaining, however, the standings aren't overly important at this point. This particular contest has a lot more to do with the confidence level of the Clippers and Lakers moving forward.
I'm sure both squads would consider it a feather in their cap to beat the other. The Lakers would love to knock the young and confident Clippers down a peg, while the Clippers want to prove that they're the team to beat in Los Angeles. A loss isn't going to kill either team, but both sides could use some positive mojo moving forward.
What They're Saying
Perhaps the biggest key to how Wednesday night's Clippers versus Lakers encounter will play out is the health of Clippers point guard Chris Paul. He has missed the past five games with a hamstring injury, but he could very well be ready to suit up against the Lakers. Rushing Paul back isn't something head coach Vinny Del Negro is interested in, though, according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
"There's a protocol that guys have to go through, in terms of injuries and things, Del Negro said. We went through that [Saturday] in terms of his workout and conditioning. He felt good. It's just that I think we have to be smart about the process.
Chris is ready to play. He wants to be out there, Del Negro said. But he also knows that he hasn't had this injury before and he wants to be smart about it as well. He understands.
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Clippers Player to Watch: PF Blake Griffin
One of the best aspects of the Clippers is the fact that they receive offensive production throughout their lineup. Five players average at least 14.5 points per game, so there isn't really a need to rely on any one player too heavily. With that said, though, stud power forward Blake Griffin has proven that he is totally capable of taking over a game and leading the Clippers to victory.
Griffin has been the team's most productive player once again this season, as he is averaging 21 points and 11.5 rebounds per game while shooting a sterling 51 percent from the floor. The Lakers have two behemoths in the paint in Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, and since Griffin works exclusively close to the basket, he'll have to contend with them. If he produces as usual, then the Clippers will be in great shape.
Lakers Player to Watch: SG Kobe Bryant
He may be 33 years old and in constant need of pain injections for his ailing wrist, but there is no question that shooting guard Kobe Bryant is still among the NBA's very best players. Kobe has been huge for the Lakers this season, and if not for him, they would likely be well below .500. Not only does he easily pace the Lakers in scoring with 30.5 points per game, but he also chips in nearly six rebounds and six assists per contest.
There is no guarantee on any given night that Kobe is going to get adequate support from his teammates. Because of that, he may very well need to drop 40 points in order to beat the Clippers. That obviously isn't the ideal situation for Mike Brown's team, but he can rest assured knowing he has a player like Kobe just in case.
Key Matchup: Chris Paul vs. Derek Fisher
It's far from a guarantee that Chris Paul will be able to give it a go for the Clippers tonight, but if he can, he will be faced with an intriguing matchup against veteran point guard Derek Fisher. It's true that the 37-year-old Fisher isn't the player he once was, and he was never elite to begin with, but he always seems to find a way to be just good enough for the Lakers.
All things being equal, Paul has a huge advantage over Paul thanks to his speed and skill, but it stands to reason that he will be a bit limited if he does play. Because of that, Fisher may be able to keep up with Paul a little better than he normally would. If Paul takes advantage like he should, then the Lakers will have a tough time winning, but if Fisher frustrates him, then it completely flips the script.
Prediction
Clippers 95, Lakers 92
