LA Sports Hub
Fansided

LA Clippers vs Miami Heat Preview

By Corbin Warnock

Jan 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) runs the ball down the court during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won in overtime 114-111. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) runs the ball down the court during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won in overtime 114-111. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat are visiting Chris Paul and the LA Clippers tonight at Staples Center.

Both teams are in the playoff standings for their respective conferences.

The Heat are currently the sixth seed in the East while the Clippers are the fourth seed in the West.

Tonight’s game will be a game to watch whether stars are out for either team or not as in Blake Griffin.

These two teams are building off of the moves they made this summer via the draft. trades, and free agency.

For the Heat they have all the pieces and players in place and as time goes not hey will continue to grow as a team and improve.

If they do make an impact this year you can definitely expect an impact statement from them next year.

The Clippers, on the other hand, are making a statement this season.

They are riding a nine-game win streak coming into this game.

With the acquisitions of Lance Stephenson, Paul Pierce, and Josh Smith they have improved they have become contenders int he west because of the people and their skill.

As well as these three have fit into Coach Doc Rivers game plans or system.

Trading Matt Barnes was not the smartest thing for them to do because he helped bring them their defensive intensity and spurts of energy here and there.

By doing this though they were able to make those acquisitions.

However by trading him they are missing his abilities.

Now they need multiple people to step up to meet the needs Barnes met.

For the Clippers to be a NBA championship contender they need one more piece.

I have said this since day one they need one more player who can play defense then provide on offense when needed and is a three point shooter. Someone who is a true 3 and can guard anyone.

They need a player like a Matt Barnes who can get physical and goes all out if they are to make it to the NBA Finals or yet win a title.

Tonight is a test for the Clippers even though they are on a nine-game streak.

More from LA Sports Hub

The Heat are a team who are in the playoff talk and are good team when all cylinders are clicking.

They are above .500 and many teams the Clippers have played on their run have been sub .500.

The Clippers match up with Heat well, and it’s to their benefit completely.

How do they defeat them without Blake?

Here are my keys on how to defeat Heat.

  • Defense is key. Zone defense to shut down the paint so the guards can’t score easily and make them beat you with the long ball.
  • Avoid foul trouble and make your own free throws.
  • In this game rebounds is a big one.
  • My X-factor is time of possession and the bench’s production.

Next: Lakers Defense Steps Up Big

If they can get those things taken care of, their winnings streak will slide into double digits.

Home/Los Angeles Clippers