San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers: Game 1 Prediction, Key Players, Injuries

The San Antonio Spurs will take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night at the Staples Center for game 1 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The game is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on TNT. The game can also be heard on the radio on WOAI 1200 AM.

In the season the two teams split the four games, with the Spurs winning the first two games and the Clippers winning the final two games.

February 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard

(9) moves the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers guard

(11) and forward

(10) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

How will the Spurs fare against the Clippers? We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key factors to predict the outcome of the game!

Recent Games

San Antonio Spurs

The sixth seeded Spurs went 56-26 in the regular season and were 22-19 on the road. The Spurs most recent game was against the New Orleans Pelicans last Wednesday. The Spurs lost 108-103. Tony Parker finished with 23 points and 6 assists to lead the Spurs.

Los Angeles Clippers

The three seeded Los Angeles Clippers finished 56-26 in the regular season and were 30-11 at home. The Clippers won their season finale against the Phoenix Suns 112-101. Blake Griffin went for 20 points and 8 rebounds.

Injuries

San Antonio Spurs

Matt Bonner– Matt Bonner is questionable with a calf injury.

Tiago Splitter– Tiago Splitter is questionable with a tight right calf.

Key Clippers Players

Blake Griffin- Blake Griffin is one of the better players in the entire league. He can do it all on offense: pass, rebound, score, and posterize any defender that stands in his way. Griffin averaged 21.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

Chris Paul– Chris Paul has been a terrific player his whole career, but the one thing he is missing is a ring. The Spurs should be wary of that because Paul will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. This season Paul averaged 19.1 points and 10.2 assists.

J.J. Redick– J.J. Redick has been on a tear in the past few months. On the season the sharpshooter is averaging 16.4 points, but since the all-star break he is averaging 19.6 points.

Prediction

This game will certainly go down to the final seconds. Chris Paul will deliver in front of an energetic and amped up home crowd and make big plays down the stretch. Kawhi Leonard will make key plays on both ends of the floor but the Spurs will fall short.

Next: Previewing Spurs vs Clippers Series