Clippers (3-6) vs Toronto Raptors (4-4)
Gameday Haiku
Bargnani shooting,
Chris Bosh throwing down monstrous
dunks; oh me on my.
First Look
Raptors are starting its long west coast road trip tonight at Los Angeles.
From what I have seen, the Raptors are the best 2nd tier team behind the East's big 3. Their record does not reflect this, just 4-4, with some tough losses. Without Eric Gordon, the Clippers are really in disarray at the wing positions. Butler/Thornton combo is simply too weak against other NBA starting combos. The Clippers catch a break today with the Raptors starting Demar DeRozan who is not of NBA starter quality yet.
- Clipper bigs will be lost.
Bargnani is taking five 3s a game while making close to half of them. Bosh will also be shooting an array of midrange/outside jumpers. Kaman and Camby simply won't be able to defend them on the perimeter. Hopefully Kaman will be able to muscle up Bargnani inside. - Jose Calderon
He is not having the kind of statistically driven season that we are used to seeing the past two years. He has uncharacteristically missed a few free throws and is shooting far below career norm from the field. His assists numbers are also down due to Hedo Turkoglu's influence. Having Hedo means taking the ball out of Calderon's hand. This has brought his average from nine assists per game to six. He is reduced to spot up duty on many possessions. Jarrett Jack signing the full mid-level exception with the Raptors also mean Calderon's playing time is reduced. - Baron Davis
For the Clippers to have any chance of winning, we need a big game from Bdiddy that we really haven't seen since his addition to the team. Davis has played fine so far and looked to be enjoying his job. Let's hope he can step up to night and be the star he once was.
Clippers (3-4) vs New Orleans Hornets (2-5)
Gameday Haiku
Almighty Chris Paul
dropping dimes to David West;
May I plead ’Mercy?"
First Look
I hate to be pessimistic but Clippers will have trouble without Eric Gordon. Baron will have plenty of trouble with CP3, everyone does; Thornton starting and playing 40+ means is very unappealing. David West had two mediocre games in a row so I will watch out for him to make it up tonight. Plus he has the ability to draw Camby away from protecting the rim.
Chris Paul is Godlike
He is averaging 27 points a game this season but he is just not getting the support from his teammates. He is also not getting the amount of steals we are used to seeing. Not sure what is wrong there.- Outstanding Okafor
He's been quietly averaging 12p/11r/2b over 7 games. This is a major upgrade from Tyson Chandler which makes it strange that the Hornets are playing so poorly. He is a premier low post defender with the size to bother Kaman.
Preview: Clipsnation | At The Hive
Iverson, Please go away
Since I am up early, might as well write something about AI.
"My people just informed me that we are getting close to a deal. I asked them to call me when its done. I am so ready to know!" said a post on Iverson's Twitter account late Wednesday morning."
Everyone remembers AI's infamous practice quote, but do people remember he is fifth all time in points per game. Personally I think he got a bad rep last year just because Billups and the Nuggests performed way above expectation. AI didnt get along with his Pistons teammates but when has animosity distracted him from performing in games? Never. Iverson had a rocky relationship with Larry Brown and he still averaged over 30 points to carry the Sixers into the Finals. He did offered to come off the bench for the Pistons. Iverson's value is extremely low given how badly the Pistons played, but he can still ball. Despite being 34, he still gets into the lane at ease. He is still a solid player, particularly if his team uses him for scoring boost off the bench. You might be surprised at all these praises but I think AI deserves credit for still sticking around and playing hard at a high level.
However, he would be a terrible fit here. The Clippers has NO spot for Iverson. Not with BD already running the point. Can you imagine the horror show with Baron/AI/Thornton in the game?? Maybe Thornton will punch out AI just to touch the ball or Baron will headbutt AI just so AI wont be taking up all the allotment of shooting 30 footers. The defense would just be utterly disatrious. Hey, you can go pick up Camby in fantasy and he might just average 5 blocks a game with those 3 guarding the perimeter. The most important thing is that he would be taking a majority of EJ's playing time. Its not like Iverson is a savvy veteran who is going to take time out to pass down his knowledge/experience.
I realized it is unlikely that the team he is negotiaiting with is the Clippers. I just felt like whining even at the thought of it. I think Iverson deserves to go to somewhere better to finish off his illustrative career. The Knicks would be a nice spot. Coupled with Nate Robinson while running D'Antoni's offense? Get your popcorn ready! I know New Orl
eans is not in the pursuit for AI but I acutally think it would be a perfect match. The Hornets really dont have a serviceable 2 guard. We have already seen how potent the Hornets can be with Paul and Pargo. AI would be Pargo on roids. Tyrone Lue better not sign with whichever team AI goes to or else Lue will be seeing tons of Iverson's fury.
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