LA Clippers vs Toronto Raptors: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview and Predictions

Match Details- Los Angeles Clippers vs Toronto Raptors

Date and Time- December 11, 2019, at 7.05 P.M. ET (12.05 A.M. GMT)

Venue- Scotiabank Arena, Toronto

Preview- 

The LA Clippers are coming off a commanding 110-99 away win against the Indiana Pacers. That triumph produced another leading streak for the California-based team. As per the current standings, they stand in the second position of the Western Conference with an 18-7 mark. Though the Clippers’ star man Kawhi Leonard was not able to play against Indiana because of a trivial knee problem. Fortunately, he is anticipated to be fit ahead of this game. A lot of eyes would also be on Paul George. The ex-Pacers Small Forward scored 36 points against them on Monday. He is equating 23.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in only 29.7 minutes per game. LA Clippers come into this one with a red hot form, winning 4 of their last 5 games. They sit on the 6th position in the league in scoring offense with 115.1 points every game. Furthermore, they are 2nd in the league in rebounding with grabbing 49.2 boards per game and attain the 21st position in assists with 23.2 per contest. 

The Raptors finished a three-game losing streak with a close 93-92 win over the Chicago Bulls. Although they still hold a 2-3 mark over their last five games. Fortunately for them, their record at home is at the 9-2 mark. The Raptors are presently fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 16-7 record. Combo guard Fred VanVleet has been classified as doubtful because of a knee contusion. He is joined by Stanley Johnson and Patrick McCaw. Expectations would be high from Pascal Siakam, who tallied 22 points facing the Bulls the last time out. The power forward is also averaging 22.4 points and 7.8 rebounds over his last five games. Thankfully for them, Kyle Lowry scored a driving layup with 50.9 seconds left to play to give Toronto the edge. That carried on as neither team was able to score for the rest of the match.

Injury Updates and Team News-

LA Clippers-

Injuries- Rodney McGruder(Hamstring), Landry Shamet(Ankle)

Expected starting lineup- Maurice Harkless, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, Paul George and Patrick Beverly

Toronto Raptors-

Injuries- Patrick McCaw(Knee), Stanley Johnson(Groin), Matt Thomas(Finger)

Expected starting lineup- Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry, and Norman Powell

Predictions-

This is a difficult game to call since these teams are two of the greatest in the NBA as of now. The Raptors were one of the stablest teams at home in the NBA until recently. Although, they come into this game after two straight defeats at Scotiabank Arena due to some discrepancies. Whereas, the Clippers are trending in the precise charge and they should get a significant boost with the return of Kawhi Leonard. This will be his trip back to Toronto where he won the NBA Championship last season. The Toronto Raptors vs LA Clippers will apparently be a low-scoring game. Both teams are tough defensively but the Clippers seem to have an edge over the Raptors in this one.