Cleveland finally snapped their six-game losing streak with a 109-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, and return to the Staples Center for the second consecutive night.
The Clippers are coming off an impressive road victory over the Trail Blazers on Wednesday, and have won three of their last four games.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (20-20)
G Kyrie Irving – 20.7 ppg, 5.1 apg
G J.R. Smith – 14.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg
F LeBron James – 25.8 ppg, 7.5 apg, 5.3 rpg
F Kevin Love – 17.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg
C Timofey Mozgov– 7.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg
Los Angeles Clippers (26-13)
G Chris Paul – 18.1 ppg, 9.6 apg
G J.J. Redick – 14.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg
F Matt Barnes – 9.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg
F Blake Griffin – 22.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 5.0 apg
C DeAndre Jordan – 9.6 ppg, 13.6 rpg
What to watch for:
Can Cleveland slow down the Clippers frontcourt?
The Cavs brought in Timofey Mozgov to improve their low post defense, and while he has done that a little bit, the Clippers have a two-headed monster that no one has been able to stop. Cleveland's big men lack athleticism and quickness, which Griffin and Jordan have in bunches. If Cleveland packs the paint and can keep Jordan away from the basket while turning Griffin into a jump shooter, they'll have a chance to win. If not, they'll get blown out.
Chris Paul vs. Kyrie Irving
This matchup pits two of the best point guards in the league against each other, but the obvious advantage goes to Paul. He's exploited Irving's lackluster defense in all of their previous matchups against each other, and his ability to get into the lane will absolutely destroy the Cavs. Irving has to slow him down a little bit - or at least match his production on the other end of the floor - to give Cleveland a chance in this one.
Prediction: Clippers win 105-96
Los Angeles doesn't have anyone who can stop LeBron James, but Cleveland doesn't have anyone who can stop Paul and Griffin. I think the Cavs will play inspired basketball after getting their first win in two weeks, but they don't have enough to get over the top.
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