San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Clippers: Predictions, Key Matchups, Injuries, More

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The San Antonio Spurs look to end their four game losing streak tonight at home against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest. The game can also be heard on the radio on WOAI 1200 AM.

How will San Antonio fare against Los Angeles? We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key matchups to predict the outcome of the game!

Recent Games

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs head into this game looking to end a four game losing streak. Luck has not been on the side of the Spurs as this aging core has had to play two triple overtime games in its last four.

This has put San Antonio into a huge minutes problem as head coach Gregg Popovich prefers to play his aging stars for only 30 minutes a night. With a tough game slated tonight against the Clippers, the Spurs could end up losing once again due to fatigue.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers come into this game looking to build on their 106-102 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night. With the win, Los Angeles claimed its seventh straight victory at home.

Road games have been a different story for the Clippers, however, especially recently. After starting the season an impressive 8-2 on the road, Los Angeles has lost its last three on the road. The question for tonight is as to whether those road woes will continue.

Injuries

San Antonio Spurs

Kawhi Leonard, Small Forward – Leonard is dealing with a bruised right hand and is listed as out. Look for Kyle and Anderson and Marco Belinelli to pick up the forward’s minutes.

Patty Mills, Point Guard – Mills is still healing from surgery on his torn rotator cuff. Expect his minutes to go to Cory Joseph.

Tony Parker, Point Guard – Parker is dealing with a mild hamstring strain that was suffered in the Spurs win over Memphis a few weeks ago. He is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. Look for Cory Joseph to pick up another start if Parker is unable to go.

Los Angeles Clippers

Spencer Hawes, Power Forward – Hawes is suffering from a bone bruise on his knee and will not play against the Spurs tonight. Expect Glen Davis to pick up some of the big man’s minutes.

Key Matchups

Tonight’s key matchup is a battle between old and young, old school and new school. The San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan and the Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin will matchup in a show that is not to be missed. Duncan, even at 38-years-old, is still holding more than his own against the league’s best big men, while Griffin, with his amazing athletic ability, continues to provide highlight reel dunks. The last time the two matched-up this season, Duncan had the last laugh with the Spurs winning 89-85. Revenge will definitely be on the table for Griffin and the Clippers tonight.

PF. After a grueling four game stretch for San Antonio that included two triple overtime games, the Spurs are hoping a well rested Tim Duncan can lead them to victory. While Duncan did not play in two of San Antonio’s last four games, he did have the unfortunate luck of playing in both of the Spurs triple overtime games. Duncan played 40-plus minutes in those matches which does not bode well for the Spurs. the good news is that he sat out San Antonio’s last game, <a title=. PF. San Antonio Spurs. TIM DUNCAN

Blake Griffin will be looking for some revenge tonight against San Antonio after his team fell in the last outing between the two sides. Griffin was not to blame for that loss, however, as he contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. After having a good November, Griffin has had an even better December, averaging 24.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. If he brings that kind of production tonight, San Antonio could be in for a long night.. PF. Los Angeles Clippers. BLAKE GRIFFIN. PF

Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs have to be exhausted at this point. After playing Portland twice, a great Memphis team, a re-tooled Dallas team, and playing a combined six overtime periods in their last four games, this Spurs team is running on empty.

This schedule has done no favors for San Antonio and will continue to be their downfall. The Los Angeles Clippers will capitalize on a tired Spurs team and drop San Antonio to their fifth straight loss.

After this one, the question will be when will the bleeding stop. It does not figure to be soon unfortunately, especially with games against New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Memphis, and Houston in the coming weeks.

99. 77. . 81. 29

Next: Analyzing Spurs Loss to Mavericks