Evan’s Evaluations: Los Angeles Clippers, Spurs Looking Forward in Playoff Hunt

0
1501

The postseason is upon us and there’s still madness in March for the NBA. Coming off a weekend full of excitement from CJ McCollum knocking down the mid-range game-winner on Oklahoma City to LeBron James putting another victim on a poster.  With two and a half weeks left in the regular season, teams are still fighting for spots in the playoffs in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. But the focus is on the Los Angeles Clippers who are in a tough position in the West. Sitting two games out of the playoffs, the Clippers have to be consistent every game here on out make the playoffs. They are currently in the tenth seed and have an important game this week against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Evan’s Top 2 Games of the Week:

  • Milwaukee Bucks (39-34) @ Los Angeles Clippers (39-34)
    • 10:30 p.m. ET- Tuesday, March 27, 2018
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (44-31) @ San Antonio Spurs (43-31)
    • 8:00 p.m. ET- Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Top Weekend Game:

  • Toronto Raptors (54-20) @ Boston Celtics (51-23)
    • 7:30 p.m. ET- Saturday, March 31, 2018

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Milwaukee: The Milwaukee Bucks are in a tight position right now sitting in the 7th seed in the East with only 9 games left in their regular season. Giannis Antetokounmpo just had a stellar game in a win against the San Antonio Spurs who put up twenty-five points and ten rebounds. On the fast break, Giannis can viciously get to the basket and throw it down in traffic. Khris Middleton has helped keep the Bucks in games with his scoring and I’m excited about the energy the Bucks will bring to the Staples Center. A win for the Bucks could move them up to the sixth seed in the East if the Washington Wizards lose.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: PPG: 27.3, RPG: 10, APG: 4.8, FG%: 53.2%

Los Angeles Clippers
The Pappas Post

Khris Middleton: PPG: 20.1, RPG: 5.2, APG: 4, FG%: 47%

Clippers: The Los Angeles Clippers have the same record as the Milwaukee Bucks but in the Western Conference. What makes this game exciting is that it is crucial for the Clippers to come out with a win with their season dying down. The duo of Bojan Marjanovic and DeAndre Jordan is very effective. They create havoc on defense and can hustle down the court for their size. Tobias Harris, averaging 18.5 ppg, can shoot the ball well from the perimeter. A win for the Clippers would keep their playoff hopes alive for this season and put them above the Denver Nuggets if they lose.

Tobias Harris: PPG: PPG: 18.5, RPG: 5.5, APG: 2.3, FG%: 45.9

Los Angeles Clippers
MLive.com

Montrezl Harrell: PPG: 10.7, RPG: 4, APG: 0.8, FG%: 63.6

Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers 109-105

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Santonio Spurs

Oklahoma City: The Thunder have been playing great basketball the month of March winning eight of the last 12 games. I’m excited to see how Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams contribute because they play fluently together. The duo has consistent pick and roll chemistry, creating either a mismatch for Westbrook or a layup for Adams. Westbrook has continued to show his athletic ability to score for the Thunder, averaging 27.8 points per game in March. Adams is a solid all-around Center that is good at getting in the right position for a rebound and a putback layup or dunk. A win for the Thunder would keep them fourth in the West, but a loss could potentially drop them to fifth.

Russell Westbrook: PPG: 25.4, APG: 10.2, RPG: 9.7, FG%: 45.2

Steven Adams: PPG: 14.1, RPG: 9, APG: 1.1, FG%: 63.4

San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs still have a lot to play for with the rest of the season ahead of them and I know…that sounds weird to say about the San Antonio Spurs. They are playing the rest of the season as though Kawhi Leonard is not coming back. In his absence, LaMarcus Aldridge has been dominating for the Spurs having a career night last Friday against the Utah Jazz. Also, Patty Mills and Rudy Gay have helped the Spurs score and facilitate the ball. I’m excited to see how the Spurs take on the Thunder at home. A win for the Spurs could put them in the fifth seed with a New Orlean Pelicans loss.

LaMarcus Aldridge: PPG: 23.2, RPG: 8.4, APG: 2.1, FG%: 50.8

Los Angeles Clippers
CBS Sports

Patty Mills: PPG: 9.7, RPG: 1.9, APG: 2.7, FG%: 41.3

Prediction: San Antonio 117-115

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here