GAME #57: LAL (31-28) @ LAC (37-19) WED 2/28—7PM, ESPN

[esqtvd]

Not only the Battle for LA but the Game of the Year at this point. On national TV.

There are no "must win" games in February. But lose, and we are SLAPPED DOWN.

Clippers are at "home" against the Lakers. Probably almost half Lakers fans in the crowd. We are 6-4 in the last 10 and the Lakers are 7-3. They're feeling good and we're scrambling. We're 4th seed and they're 10th.

They have every reason to win and we have no reason to fight.


Calling Kawhi.

[KingCrimzzon]

No PG again. Expect LAL to get an obscene amount of foul calls today after complaining about the refs in their last game. LAC has been shooting so bad lately they are kind of due for a game where they're hot from 3. Sadly, I smell another scrimmage coming. Probably shouldn't tune in to this one to avoid getting annoyed

[KL2]

Until this team starts caring again I’ll consider this a loss. We used to get up for teams but not anymore. Teams get up to play us now and we treat it like a scrimmage.

Teams have figured out if you stop Leonard no one else will step up to make you pay for it.

Powell spoke at practice yesterday or the day before about the double and triple teams Leonard is facing now. How they practice and prepare for all those different situations. How they have to execute those moments better. Anyone have any confidence in that?

Is Lue going to use this game as another experiment? Maybe start Westbrook or Bones instead of Coffey and Powell? Maybe PJ?

We’ll see what team shows up tonight but I’m not expecting much. Especially for a nationally televised game.

[LamarWho]

Has this team played one decent game since the road trip? I seriously don't remember. Please give Bones some burn if our offense struggles again.

[madmaxmedia]

I have been relatively blasé about recent Clipper-Laker games (just not that important in the big picture), but given our current state this one is more important and I really want us to get this one. We have been lackluster since the Grammy trip and Ty talked about fixing things in the last couple days off. Can our team finally reset and get back on track?

I sort of welcome the challenge of a missing PG to see how this team responds. The ESPN matchup predictor has us at 75%, I assume it takes into account injuries but not sure.

Has this team played one decent game since the road trip? I seriously don't remember. Please give Bones some burn if our offense struggles again.

IIRC, even the wins were not great games (but at least they were wins LOL.)

[MartinToVaught]

Yeah, I have no expectations against any decent opponent anymore. On the other hand, the last time I was this confident in a loss before the game, they went out and spanked the Celtics, so...

[KL2]

Zu has been downgraded to questionable with illness so yeah.

[esqtvd]

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[KL2]

Theis and Coffey starting in place of Zu and PG.

[LamarWho]

I think we might win since my expectation is very low.

[esqtvd]

Theis and Coffey starting in place of Zu and PG.

PJ "Six Fouls" Tucker time

[KL2]

Thank goodness we’re force feeding Theis.

[HardenGoat]

I think this is a must win to get back on track. It’s going to take Harden and Kawhi both playing at top level. Westbrook seems to always bring his energy but he has to play more disciplined and not turn the ball over. Let’s get it!

[esqtvd]

go Russ

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[KL2]

PJ Tucker.

This team does some really stupid stuff.

[wakelaunch1]

THe GM just needs to buy out Tucker. Id rather have a minimum guy on this team than him. Powell making some dumb mistakes as well. He just needs to be a catch and shoot player.

[HardenGoat]

Yeah. Tucker is done washed. The only person that can’t see it is him

[LamarWho]

Has Tucker scored a basket in a Clippers uniform? Serious question.

[HardenGoat]

Lakers have the refs. Who would have thought …

[KL2]

Who’s going to play smart and step up while Leonard sits?