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Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Game Preview, Prediction

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By @Kramerica100

Getty Images

Getty Images

Toronto Raptors (22-7) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (20-10)

Game Time: Saturday, Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m. ET

Projected Starting Lineups:

Toronto Raptors: PG: Kyle Lowry, SG: Greivis Vasquez, SF: Terrence Ross, PF: Amir Johnson, C: Jonas Valanciunas

Los Angeles Clippers: PG: Chris Paul, SG: J.J. Redick, SF: Matt Barnes, PF: Blake Griffin, C: DeAndre Jordan

The Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors are heading out west for a five-game road trip. First up, the Los Angeles Clippers. The Raptors are 7-2 against the Western Conference this season. Today’s game will be a matchup of two of the best point guards in the NBA, with Kyle Lowry and Chris Paul.

Lowry has carried the Raptors to the best record in the East, despite playing nearly half of the year without Demar Derozan. The point guard has upped his scoring average to 20 PPG, while posting nearly eight APG. Lowry is also one of the best defensive point guards in the league, and he should be amped up going against Paul this afternoon.

Chris Paul has been quietly going about his business this year, averaging over 18 PPG and just under 10 APG. His .487 FG% and .395 3PT% are his highest since the 2009-10 season. Paul has been the most consistent player for the Clippers this season.

At 20-10, Los Angeles is off to a solid start, but they are being overshadowed by the other dominant teams in the Western Conference. If the playoffs started today they would be a six seed in the West, but would likely be the favorite to come out of the East.

One way for the Clippers to move up in the standings is for Blake Griffin to continue playing like he has in December. Griffin is averaging his typical 23 PPG and 8.5 RPG, but it’s his 5.6 APG this month that is even more impressive. His ever improving passing ability is making him even more dangerous on the offensive end of the court.

This promises to be an exciting game between two of the highest scoring teams in the league. The Clippers are coming off of one of their best wins of the year, beating the Golden State Warriors on Christmas day. Toronto has been one of the most consistent teams in the league and shouldn’t have a problem showing up in this game. I think it will be close throughout, but the Clippers will pull away in the end. Griffin will be too much down low for the Raptors and will be the difference in the game.

Final Prediction: Los Angeles 110 – Toronto 105

 

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