Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Preview for Christmas Day

Whether it's "Lob City," "Lob Angeles" or some other nickname for the new look Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are a very exciting tandem for a franchise that needed a face lift.

Golden State made some interesting changes to the roster and is looking for a new approach under rookie head coach Mark Jackson, but the Clippers are a very tough test for Jackson in his first game on the bench.

There might not be a lot of defensive intensity in this one, but there will certainly be a plethora of highlights.

Key Additions and Subtractions for Each Team

Key Additions for Clippers: Traded for PG Chris Paul; Re-signed C DeAndre Jordan, Signed PF Reggie Evans, G/F Caron Butler; Claimed G Chauncey Billups (amnesty)

Key Losses for Clippers: Traded SG Eric Gordon (Hornets), F Al-Farouq Aminu (Hornets), F/C Chris Kaman (Hornets); F Jamario Moon, F/C Craig Smith (Blazers), Ike Diogu

Key Additions for Warriors: Signed C Kwame Brown; Waived SG Charlie Bell (amnesty), Traded for SG Brandon Rush

Key Losses for Warriors: G/F Reggie Williams (Bobcats), F Vladimir Radmanovic (Hawks), PG Acie Law, F Al Thornton; Traded F Lou Amundson

Point Guard

Battle: Chris Paul vs. Stephen Curry/Charles Jenkins

Obviously a matchup between Paul and Curry would be much more salivating for fans to watch, but the Golden State point guard's status is very uncertain after spraining his surgically-repaired ankle earlier this week.

If he can't go, rookie Charles Jenkins will split duties with newly acquired Ish Smith, and that will mean the crowd in northern California will see a whole lot of "Lob City."

Shooting Guard

Battle: Chauncey Billups vs. Monta Ellis

This is a really interesting matchup because Billups still has some quickness to his game, but he's certainly going to be tested in the hopes of putting a cap on Ellis' explosive game.

While Ellis isn't exactly a testament of defensive prowess on that end of the court, he should be able to keep up with Billups on the perimeter, and it would be a surprise if Ellis couldn't get the better of anyone lined up against him on Christmas.

Small Forward

Battle: Caron Butler vs. Dorell Wright

This isn't going to draw the interest of most fans with so many notable names on the court, but Butler and Wright promise to provide entertainment for every minute each player is out on the court.

Wright broke out for the Warriors last season, while Butler is looking to reconstruct his image after missing most of last year due to a knee injury.

Each will be monitored throughout the season in order to track the progression (or regression) from their previous campaign.

Power Forward

Battle: Blake Griffin vs. David Lee

Lee got a lot of criticism in his first season with the Warriors despite nearly averaging a double-double, and he's a solid candidate to have an even better year than the one he posted during his 2010-11 campaign.

However, he's going to have his hands full when he attempts to slow down Griffin, and there's no question that the human slam dunk machine is going to take flight very often in this one.

Center

Battle: DeAndre Jordan vs. Andris Biedrins

Whether it's Biedrins or the freshly inked Kwame Brown who takes on Jordan, neither one has the ability to keep up with Jordan as he's just got too much length and athleticism.

Chris Paul rejuvenated Tyson Chandler's career when the two played together in New Orleans, and Jordan has an immense amount of untapped potential waiting to break out.

What To Watch

The Clippers are the hottest ticket in town, and they're quickly gaining steam as the team to watch in Los Angeles.

Everyone is fascinated to see how the revamped roster looks and how these guys mesh together, and it'll be nothing short of fascinating to see the transformation of this franchise if everyone can stay healthy.

The starting five looks a lot different than it has in previous seasons, and it's going to be very fun to watch what this team is capable of doing this year and well into the future.

Prediction

If Curry doesn't play in this game for Golden State, it could get out of hand early for the Warriors.

Mark Jackson wants to bring a new style of intensity and dedication to the defensive end, but the Clippers boast so many impressive sources of offense, it's going to be extremely tough for Golden State to match up favorably.

In the end, there are just too many weapons on this Clippers roster, and the Warriors are probably going to be overwhelmed as a result.

Prediction: Clippers 107, Warriors 90