Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Clippers: Match Preview and Predictions - 20th November 2019
Match Details
Fixture: Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Clippers
Date & Time: Wednesday, 20th November 2019 (10:00 PM ET)
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Last Game Results
Boston Celtics (11-2): 99-85 win over the Phoenix Suns (18th November)
Los Angeles Clippers (9-5): 90-88 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder (18th November)
Boston Celtics Preview
The Boston Celtics' 10-game winning run was ended by the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, but the team returned to winning ways on Monday night with a comfortable win over the Phoenix Suns.
The Celtics were never pushed by a Suns team that has made an excellent start to the season, and Boston's ability to bounce back from a streak-ending defeat was a fine example of the mental strength found on the roster.
The 99-85 win also means that the Celtics haven't conceded more than 100 points in any of their past three outings, and only six teams in the NBA are allowing fewer points per game so far this season. With Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum continuing to get better, the Celtics are set up for an exciting season.
Key Player - Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker scored 19 points against the Suns, and the former Hornets star is currently averaging 23.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and, 5.0 assists per game. Walker has already adapted to Brad Stevens' system and the 29-year-old has proved to be the perfect replacement for Kyrie Irving.
Celtics Predicted Lineup:
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Daniel Theis, Marcus Smart, Kemba Walker
Los Angeles Clippers Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers have not been great over the past 10 days, although they are coming off an important hard-fought win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Paul George's late game-winning 3-pointer improved LA's record to 9-5, and the All-Star has been immense since making his debut for the Clippers last week.
Nevertheless, the Clippers' offense remains inconsistent, and Kawhi Leonard could once again be absent due to a sore knee. Ultimately, the Clippers will be among the contenders come the postseason, although several other teams around the league are currently outperforming the pre-season favorites.
Key Player - Paul George
After undergoing surgery on both shoulders during the summer, it was believed that George would need time to return to top form. However, the 29-year-old hit the game-winner against his former team on Monday night and is averaging 29.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
Clippers Predicted Lineup:
Paul George, Maurice Harkless, Ivica Zubac, Patrick Beverley, Terance Mann
Celtics vs Clippers Match Prediction
Both the Celtics and Clippers have title aspirations, and this is a huge early matchup. In Tatum, Brown, and Walker, the Celtics have plenty of players that can hurt the Clippers - and enter the game as the in-form team.
However, the Clippers have dropped just one of their opening nine games at Staples Center, and another big night from Paul George should be enough to secure another win.
Where to Watch Celtics vs Clippers?
The game will be televised live on ESPN from 10:00 PM ET. There will also be local coverage of the game on FOX Sports Prime Ticket and NBC Sports Boston. You can additionally live stream the game via NBA League Pass.