USA Today via Reuters
Mar 14, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) react to a play from the bench against New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 14, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) react to a play from the bench against New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Clippers take on the Orlando Magic tonight in an inter-conference matchup. For the Clippers, this game is part of a back-to-back, after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks. The Clippers are hoping to capitalize on the Lakers’ poor form and climb up the Western Conference Ladder, and get the coveted first seed in the West.
For the Orlando Magic, their season has been marred with struggles. The Magic have lost several key players this season, thanks to injuries and trades. Last week, the Magic traded All-Star center Nikola Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for players and picks. Markelle Fultz’s absence due to injury has dampened the strong start they had made earlier in the season.
With that in mind, let us take a look at the Clippers facing the Magic.
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LA Clippers – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 24, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) moves the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Isaiah Roby (22) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Clippers have their injury concerns going into the game. Paul George is listed as doubtful, while Serge Ibaka and Patrick Beverley continue to recover from their respective injuries, and will not be available for the game. Clippers’ new point guard Rajon Rondo remains out, as he is nursing a groin injury, along with Jay Scrubb, who is on the road to recovery.
READ MORE: Doc Rivers Explains How the Clippers Will Benefit From Adding Rajon Rondo
Predicted Lineup: Reggie Jackson, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris, Ivica Zubac
Orlando Magic – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 5, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Chuma Okeke (3) drives to the hoop between Chicago Bulls forwards Patrick Williams (9) and Thaddeus Young (21) during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic have several absences going into their next game. Johnathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz continue to be on the sidelines. Rookie Cole Anthony continues to recover and is some time away from returning. New player Gary Harris is also out, but Terrence Ross is listed as probable for the game.
Predicted Lineup: Michael Carter-Williams, Dwayne Bacon, Chuma Okeke, James Ennis III, Khem Birch
LA Clippers vs Orlando Magic – Prediction
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 29, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; LA Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrate a basket to end the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The Clippers have been in a good run of form, having won their last six games. Whereas, the Orlando Magic have been very poor this season. A playoff spot, at this point, is increasingly unlikely. But the Magic have shown, on rare occasions, that they can play spoiler to many teams in the NBA. But the Clippers’ form may be too much for the Magic to overcome.
READ MORE: Clippers’ Superstar Paul George Opens Up About Playing Alongside New Teammate Rajon Rondo
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Prediction: The Clippers continue their winning streak by disposing of the Orlando Magic.
Who will win between the LA Clippers and the Orlando Magic? Let us know in the comments below.
