USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) celebrates with forward Serge Ibaka (9) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) celebrates with forward Serge Ibaka (9) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Clippers take on the Washington Wizards tonight. For the Clippers, they have squandered their early season momentum, thanks to some losses. They most recently lost to the Brooklyn Nets in a close game, which many believed could be an NBA Finals preview. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be looking to improve their form.
The Wizards, on the other hand, have finally started to build some momentum. They are currently on a five-game winning streak, including a win over Los Angeles Lakers last night. Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook are showing signs of the chemistry and dynamism the Wizards had hoped to see at the start of their pairing together.
With that in mind, let us take a look at the Clippers vs Wizards encounter.
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LA Clippers – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) high fives guard-forward Nicolas Batum (33) after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Clippers have most of their key players available for the game. Daniel Oturu and Jay Scrubb remain out with their own respective injuries. However, players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are fit and ready to go. Other stars like Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, and Nicolas Batum will also be available.
READ MORE: Clippers’ Teammate Reveals How Kawhi Leonard Has Become More Vocal With His Leadership
PREDICTED LINE-UP: Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Ivica Zubac
Washington Wizards – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) celebrates with teammates after making the go ahead the go ahead three point field goal against the Brooklyn Nets in the final seconds in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards have been struggling with significant injuries to key players. Thomas Bryant suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the season. Whereas Ish Smith suffered a quad injury which ruled him out for the foreseeable future. However, Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook will still be available for selection.
PREDICTED LINE-UP: Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, Garrison Mathews, Rui Hachimura, Moritz Wagner
LA Clippers vs Washington Wizards – Prediction
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 2, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) knocks a pass away from Brooklyn Nets power forward Jeff Green (8) in front of Clippers point guard Reggie Jackson (1) and Nets power forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Clippers enter this game in the mixed form so far. They’ve lost two of their last four games. Whereas the Wizards are still on a five-game winning streak, especially on their Western Conference road trip. After their win over the Lakers, the Wizards may feel confident about their chances. But the Clippers have shown how good they can be too many times.
PREDICTION: LA Clippers end the Wizards’ solid form so far with a statement win at Staples.
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READ MORE: ‘Wanted to Keep Going’: Clippers’ Paul George Frustrated with Coach’s Decision After Nets Defeat
Who will win between the Clippers and the Wizards? Both teams are hoping to build some momentum and get an important win ahead of the upcoming All-Star break next month. But neither team will have an easy task ahead of them.
