Gameday Preview: Celtics Look to Rebound Against West-Leading Clippers
Creator: Maddie Meyer | Credit: Getty Images | Copyright: 2020 Getty Images
The Boston Celtics are currently 1-2 on this five-game road trip (both losses coming in very winnable games) and will try to get back on the winning side tonight against Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Injuries aside, the losses to the Lakers and Kings were very close games. Had there been one or two possessions going the other way, we could be looking at a winning trip out west (which is still a possibility with three games left on the trip).
The Clippers, under new coach Ty Lue, have raced out to a 17-6 record, with the dynamic duo of Leonard and George leading the way. Leonard leads the team in scoring at 26.2 ppg with George right behind him at 24.4 (fresh off a 36 point outing against Cleveland). What will make this game more difficult is that these two are among the top defensive players in the NBA.
That being said, the teams split their last two meetings, (you all remember the move Jayson Tatum put on George to make him fall before draining the triple in LA) with the road team winning both times.
In order for the Celtics to get this huge road win Jeff Teague (@Demarco0055, where are you?) is going to have to show up and show out even though Kemba Walker will be playing tonight. With Payton Pritchard listed as day-to-day and Marcus Smart out at least another 10-14 days, the C’s will count on Teague for his offense, leadership, and to keep Boston afloat until all guards are on deck again.
While we can expect Jayson Tatum (26.8 ppg, and coming off almost getting his first career triple-double; 27pts, 9 reb, 9 ast) and Jaylen Brown (26.4 ppg) to perform at a high level, they are going to need support. It must come from Walker, Daniel Theis, Robert Williams, and Grant Williams, along with a strong defensive effort in order to pull out a much-needed victory in Staples Center.
Coach Brad Stevens said after the Kings game that, “a lot of guys came in and gave us what they had, and I credit them for that.” Let’s hope the Celtics give that same effort and energy tonight with a very different outcome.
Make sure to tune in to our pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up, 30 minutes before the game on Twitter and YouTube @GuyBostonSports. The Celtics and Clippers tip-off at 10:00 PM EST on ESPN.
