Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, the latter winning the NBA title last season, are two of the best teams in the league, and have continued their winning form in the initial phase this time.
The Clippers and the Warriors could not have started the season any better as they have both won four matches on a trot so far and are yet to taste defeat. The Clippers have defeated the Sacramento Kings twice and emerged victorious against the Dallas Mavericks and the Pheonix Suns. The Warriors have defeated the New Orleans Pelicans twice and come up with huge wins against the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies.
One now cannot wait for the mega-clash between Clippers and Warriors at Oracle Arena on Wednesday. One team has to suffer their first loss of the season.
The Warriors have been mighty impressive with their performance as they have scored huge victories, including in their last game, where they defeated the Grizzlies by 50 points.
The Warriors' star player Stephen Curry was surprised by their 119-69 victory over the Grizzlies. But with an array of top players in their team, such a dominating performance is not a huge surprise, despite the 50 point lead being rare in the NBA.
''It's surprising,'' AP quoted Curry as saying. ''I don't remember the last time that's ever happened to any guys on this team, being on the winning side of a 50-point game.''
Things are in contrast for the Clippers, who have won some close matches this season. The Clippers defeated the Suns and the Kings by six and five points, respectively. But with players such as Blake Griffin Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan in their line-up, they have the much-required ammunition to hand the Warriors their first defeat of the season.
Griffin has already hit the ground running with 29.5 points per game (ppg) this season, and will be an integral part of the Clippers if they are a challenge for the NBA title this time. Paul averages 15.3 ppg this season.
Jordan is pleased to have started the season in such a bright manner sans losses, but the Clippers need to be consistent, which is a tough ask in the ever-so-competitive league.
''It's good to start the season like this,'' said Jordan. ''But we've got to be able to keep it going and improve with every game, find out which rotations work the best and which units work the best. We've got a long season to go and we've still got a lot of work to do.''
The Clippers trio of Griffin, Blake and Paul will face some stiff competition from the other end with the Warriors possessing players such as Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. If the Clippers fail to stop Curry from getting his baskets, the visitors will face the music from the all-star player.
Where to watch live
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers live NBA game is scheduled for 10:30 pm EST (9 am IST, 3:30 am GMT) start. Viewers in India can watch Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD.
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers live game will be shown live in the UK on BT Sport 2 with live streaming on Watch BT Sport or with the BT Sport Online app.
US viewers can watch Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers live on TSN1 and ESPN with online on Watch ESPN
International viewers, including those in India, can watch all the NBA live action by live streaming on NBA Online.
