NBA Matchup: LA Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets
Date: 2 February 2021
Time: 7:30 PM ET ( 6:00 AM IST 3 Feb 2021)
LA Clippers are finally facing a legitimate title contender tonight after a relatively easy schedule. They hung on to the first spot in the western conference for 1 week and are still going strong. However, the matchup against the Nets is capable of dethroning them from the top seed. Brooklyn Nets on the other hand struggled earlier this season despite having Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving playing to their full potential after injuries.
James Harden’s addition to the roster bumped the Nets up to the third position in the eastern conference. Depending upon the outcome of tonight’s game they will either climb up to the second seed or fall down to fifth. We could be looking at the potential NBA Finals matchup in this LA Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets face-off.
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Clippers vs Nets Match Prediction
This game will be a mini version of the All-Star game with five of the current top 10 players in the NBA present on the court. And with James Harden returning for the night after missing the game against Washington Wizards yesterday, the game is expected to have playoff intensity. Despite the disturbing dynamic in the Nets roster, Harden has been extremely efficient in the last 9 games. With fewer shot attempts he is making the most of what he can.
Talking about efficiencies, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are now a part of the 50/40/90 club this season. The way Paul George bounced back after the poor shooting stint he has in the playoffs last season is impressive. So far this season, LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets have a comparable schedule. While Clippers stacked up Ws against lottery teams, the Nets have been highly inconsistent since James Harden’s arrival. As Nets suffer from a lack of chemistry, the Clippers are slowly overcoming the same this year.
Statistical Comparison
Brooklyn Nets has the best offensive rating in the NBA even before the James Harden trade, his addition only strengthened their position. This defensive rating on the other hand took a severe hit and they are currently the worst in the league in the category. Although the Clippers’ defense is not great but it is certainly enough against the Brooklyn Nets. Hence their ability to score will be limited but they won’t be able to limit an opponent like the Clippers.
Nets are better than the Clippers in almost all aspects except three-point shooting even after acquiring James Harden. What is all the more concerning about the Nets are opponent statistics. They lag in almost all aspects and Clippers will take full advantage of this. While Clips only give away 106.7 points per game, the Nets allow their opponents 117.7 points which will counter the offensive deficit LA faces.
If LA takes care of rebounding and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George play consistently, the Clippers will emerge victorious tonight against the Brooklyn Nets in a close win. Statistically too they have better chances.
LA Clippers Starting Lineup
Kawhi Leonard(F), Nicolas Batum(F), Serge Ibaka(C), Paul George(G), Reggie Jackson(G)
Brooklyn Nets Starting Lineup
Kevin Durant(F), Joe Harris(F), DeAndre Jordan(C), Kyrie Irving(G), James Harden(G)
How to watch LA Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets?
LA Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets will be aired on TNT nationally as well as FSPT for LA residents. International users can access the game on NBA League Pass.
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