USA Today via Reuters
May 4, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket between Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (left) and forward Stanley Johnson (5) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 4, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket between Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (left) and forward Stanley Johnson (5) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Clippers begin their 4-game trip to end their regular season by traveling to the makeshift Tampa home of the Toronto Raptors.
While the Clippers will be looking to consolidate their third place in the Western Conference Standings, the Raptors are now out of playoff contention officially.
Date & Time: May 11, 2021, 6:30 pm ET
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Venue: Amalie Arena, Tampa
USA Today via Reuters
May 4, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrates scoring past LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Preview | Toronto Raptors
With last night’s results, it was made official that the Raptors‘ 7-year-long fruitful playoff run, which bore them a maiden championship in 2019, has come to an end.
They lie 4.5 games behind the 10th-placed Washington Wizards with just 4 games of the regular season remaining. Hence, they have no chance of even making the play-in tournament.
Because of this, coach Nick Nurse has chosen to rest a plethora of his star players and give starter-level minutes to the reserves.
Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby have been given the night off. Also, joining them on the sidelines because of injury reasons are Aron Baynes, Chris Boucher, and Rodney Hood.
Starting 5 for Toronto Raptors
Guard – Malachi Flynn
Guard – Gary Trent Jr.
Center – Khem Birch
Forward – Yuta Watanabe
Forward – Jalen Harris
Preview | LA Clippers
It is quite possible that the Clippers also make late changes to their roster for this clash. Coach Ty Lue may choose to rest his superstars, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, for this matchup.
Read More: ‘It’s an Unselfish Organization’: Rajon Rondo Details Why LA Clippers Have a Championship DNA
But for now, we’ll assume that he decides to give them some restricted playing time in a bid to keep them sharp for the Playoffs. The Clippers would want to avoid a situation similar to last season, where they arrived into the playoffs without team chemistry.
Other than that, Serge Ibaka continues to miss out because of his prolonged back ailment.
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
Starting 5 for LA Clippers
Guard – Reggie Jackson
Guard – Paul George
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Center – Ivica Zubac
Forward – Marcus Morris Sr.
Forward – Kawhi Leonard
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Pick | Clippers
It is the easiest prediction to make all season long. The Raptors will be looking to tank, so as to improve their seeding for the 2021 NBA Draft. Expect the Clippers to run rampant on them tonight.
