The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors take the court tonight at the Staples Center in L.A. The Warriors are in the midst of a 12-game win streak to open the season, and many believe they're on pace to breaking not only the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' record of 72 wins in a season, but also top the record for the best start to a season, which is 15-0. However, that won't be too easy with a battle coming that boasts plenty of star power. Here are five reasons why the Clippers can slow down the Warriors in their game starting at 10:30 p.m. EST tonight, ending their win streak and record hopes.
5. Clippers Need Signature Win to Get Going
The Clippers started the year 4-0, but have faltered in their last six, only winning two of them. At 6-4, and after blowing that 3-1 series lead in the playoffs against the Houston Rockets last May, L.A. wants to prove desperately that they're a team to be reckoned with still. This squad, loaded with star players, needs to put it all together and take this win on their home court -- where they are actually 5-1 this year, and have played well.
4. Law of Averages
Eventually, the Warriors will have an off night. No team has ever come close to going 82-0, and at some point, a team will come out and simply have a better night than them. Tonight is as good as any against a good team like the Clippers, and I expect them to struggle more than we've grown used to seeing.
3. Chris Paul Will Play Up to Stephen Curry's Level
Chris Paul is scoring a career low 15.7 points per game this year, and sat out the last two games with a strained right groin. After participating in drills Tuesday, he could return to the lineup tonight. If that does happen, CP3 will show why he's been an elite point guard his whole career and play up to Curry's level. Expect him to score 25 and dish at least 10 assists for a double-double.
2. Paul Pierce's Leadership
One of the biggest reasons why the Clippers will be ready to play tonight -- as well as put a better effort together in the playoffs than past year -- is Pierce's presence in the locker room. Anticipate Pierce not only getting them mentally ready before the game, but having his biggest performance of the young season, scoring 15 and doing most of his damage in the fourth quarter.
1. Blake Griffin Will Show Why He's an MVP Candidate
Griffin has become one of the best and most versatile scoring big men in the NBA, and he'll put it all on display Thursday night. No one on the Warriors can match up with him one-on-one, and he'll be the best player on the court, having his first 40-point game of the year. A performance like that will put him in the talks for MVP this year, as he's already averaging a career high 26.6 points, nine boards and 4.3 assists per game.
Prediction: Clippers 109, Warriors 103
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