Pacers vs Clippers: It Isn’t Getting Any Easier
By Ben Gibson
Los Angeles Clippers (15-5) at Indiana Pacers (7-14)
What’s red and blue and rolling into Indianapolis on a eight-game win streak? The Los Angeles Clippers of course. Chris Paul and friends had a favorable schedule during that stretch, but beating the Suns or Rockets isn’t an easy task, nor is not losing for that long of a stretch either. The Pacers on the other hand are on their second extended losing streak of the season, one game away from matching the first’s six-game streak.
With a few exceptions, the Pacers have been competitive in their losses, frustrating Indiana fans as they watch the squad come up a bit short every time. At some point, even Frank Vogel will have to stop being so optimistic about the Pacers’ chances.
Tonight, I am not very optimistic.
The Clippers are led in scoring by Blake Griffin and his 24 points a game average and though David West and the Pacers have kept him under that average in the past, it is no easy task. It won’t help if West gets throw out of the game again either. At the center position Roy Hibbert will battle DeAndre Jordan, and Roy has had success against him in the past, through #StruggleMode Hibbert had only four points the last time they met. The Pacers’ real problem will be trying to stop Chris Paul and J.J. Redick. Rodney Stuckey has played acceptable defense and Solomon Hill has had his ups and downs this season, but those aren’t things you can have against one of the league’s best point guards and a 40% 3-point shooter. Indiana will need above average performances from their guards and reserves if they hope to have any chance of getting the win.
Who to watch on the Clippers: Chris Paul has played exceptionally well so far this season. According to the Clippers media notes, he is the only NBA player in history to record 195+ assists and 32 or fewer turnovers through the first 20 games of a season. He’s dropping in 18.1 points a game too.
Who to watch on the Pacers: Chris Copeland is still the starter, but he’s only been getting around 20 minutes a game as of late. I’m curious to see how Damjan Rudez’s play holds up, and if he continues being more efficient than Copeland. Neither really deserves starting minutes right now, but Vogel will have to play with the line up for the time being and see what works best.
The Big Question
Do the Pacers get their sixth loss in a row tonight? It is tough to see how the Pacers can handle the talent and depth of the Clippers without their full roster. I’m not trying to reverse jinx the Pacers as I have too often in these previews all year. This is just one of those games (like the win against Chicago) that it hard to see how the Pacers can do it.
Betting Line
The Clippers are a -6.5 road favorite with a over/under of 199.5. I’d easily say take the Clippers and the over.
One Random Thing
Blake Griffin and Chris Paul have a comedy show. Seems funner that 99% of Shaq’s comic stylings.