Game Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Hornets
The National Basketball Association’s (NBA) worst record holder, the Los Angeles Clippers, take on the NBA’s best record holder, the New Orleans Hornets at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles. The Clippers have been struggling in the league this season and are 1-13 so far, while the Hornets are tied for the best record in the NBA at 11-1.
Despite just winning one game, the Clippers have played some attractive basketball this season, but results haven’t gone their way. Defeating the Clippers doesn’t seem to be a big deal for any of the NBA teams, as they have set a record of being beaten by most teams during this season.
Are you a fan of any team beside Clippers? Does your team have an upcoming match with Clippers? If yes, then you can bet your side is guaranteed to beat the Clippers -- your team is going to shoot a season high percentage, make at least 10 three-pointers, and look unstoppable on offense.
Preview
The New York Knicks beat the Clippers 124 - 115 in their previous match at Staples Center. Although they lost by a 9-point margin at home, the Clippers’ star rookie Blake Griffin got a career-high 44 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists in the game. Shooting guard Eric Gordon scored 25 points, but could not help his team overcome its worst defensive performance of the season.
The Hornets last game was an interesting one. Call it a strong defense, or call it miserable shooting. Either way, the New Orleans Hornets shot just 32 percent at the ARCO Arena, but managed to peg down the hosts Sacramento Kings' offense for a 75-71 road victory. David West led Orleans with a game-high 17 points; Chris Paul shot two of 12 and finished with nine, ending his streak of double-figure games at 11.
Players to Watch
Los Angeles Clippers have two prolific players in Griffin and Gordon, who are the backbone of the team. Both were top scorers for Clippers in the previous match.
The Hornets could get an injection of new talent – as they are hopeful that point guard Jarrett Jack, center David Andersen and guard Marcus Banks can possibly join them against the Clippers.
Numbers
The Clippers have an average of 110.6 points over their last nine games, their longest losing streak since dropping 12 in a row from December 2008 to January 2009.
The Hornets are shooting 47.4 percent from the field, while the Clippers are expected to shoot 46.7 percent.
The rebound percentages between both sides are pretty even, as the Hornets are expected to make 39.9 rebounds while the Clippers are been projected for 40.4 percent.
The Hornets are committing fewer turnovers at 13.3 percent, compared to the Clippers’ 15.5 percent.
The Hornets are making 5.8 three pointers on 37.2 percent from the three point range, while the Clippers are making 6.7 three pointers on 37.5 percent from the line.
Quotable
Clippers’ coach Vinny Del Negro said of Griffin, "We have to get him some help. We know that. We're in a tough situation right now. I am happy with the way we battled. We had opportunities there (Knicks), kept fighting to cut the lead, but we battled, fought, and tried to grind it out. Blake shot it very well, we were aggressive the whole game. Eric Gordon did some good things, just not enough help there."
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