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Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs – Game 7 (Series tied, 3-3)
Game Time, TV: Saturday, May 2 — 8:00 PM ET on TNT
Projected Starting Lineups:
San Antonio Spurs: PG: Tony Parker, SG: Danny Green, SF: Kawhi Leonard, PF: Tim Duncan, C: Tiago Splitter
Los Angeles Clippers: PG: Chris Paul, SG: JJ Redick, SF: Matt Barnes, PF: Blake Griffin, C: DeAndre Jordan
The biggest boxing match might be taking place just a state away in Nevada tonight, but hardcore NBA fans will understandably have no problem missing the start of the fight to witness an epic bout in the state of California tonight between two of basketball’s top heavyweights.
The first-round series between the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers will come down to a Game 7, and no one is really surprised. While the Spurs have boasted a superior bench all throughout the series, the Clippers’ starting lineup has clearly outplayed the Spurs. Chris Paul has been impressive against a clearly beat-up Tony Parker, while Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan possess the kind of athleticism the Spurs have always struggled against in playoff series.
What has made this series so unique is that there is no momentum in it whatsoever. These teams are evenly matched and now the Clippers will have a chance to exorcise some demons that have haunted them in previous years considering their history of early playoff exits. The Spurs on the other hand have plenty of experience in games like this, including defeating Paul when he was with the New Orleans Hornets, when they defeated them in Game 7 of the 2008 Western Conference Semifinals.
But that was a long time ago, and if the Spurs want to win this game Kawhi Leonard will have to abuse Matt Barnes on the offensive end of the ball. Leonard’s struggles during last game were surprising considering how dominant he has been throughout the series, and if he is truly a maximum-contract level player, he will earn that payday tonight.
It’s impossible to predict a series like this. In the two games I have previewed of this series I have been wrong, but maybe the third time will be the charm and I will actually nail this call.
Spurs in 7.
Prediction: Spurs 115, Clippers 109
Dan Schultz is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
