Los Angeles Clippers, who played some good basketball in the NBA last season, will be eager to perform even better this time around. The Clippers reached the conference semi finals last season and have started their season well with a victory over Sacramento Kings in their season opener with the score reading 111-104.
The Clippers looked superb offensively, but they need to settle some scores in the defensive side of their game as they allowed Kings to come back into the game. However, they will want to continue their winning start as they are set to face Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday.
The Mavs also looked solid in their first game against the Phoenix Suns as they won the match 111-95. Hence Clippers and Mavericks, with victories in their respective first game, head into their second game of the regular season with full confidence, which makes the contest even more interesting.
Like last season, the Clippers are going to depend to a certain extent on David Griffin, who came up with a great first game, scoring 33 points. If Griffin maintains his form and fitness the season, Clippers will be one of the biggest threat in the western conference.
Along with Griffin, DeAndre Jordan also showed some good hands against the Kings as he scored eight points with 12 rebounds to show for his performance. The Clippers will once again ask their star players such as Griffin, Jordan, Paul Pierce and other stars to come up and deliver the goods against the Mavs.
Pierce, who was a part of the Washington Wizards side last season, believes the Clippers are a strong bunch as they have been playing together for some time now. Once Pierce also fits into their style of play, Clippers are going to be a huge force.
"This group has been together for some years, they have a good understanding of one another," AP quoted Pierce as saying. "I'm just trying to fit in and play with that group down the stretch."
The Mavs will be aware of the tough task at hand for they have to contend with players such as Griffin, who can win games on his own. However, the Mavs also have some players in their ranks with good talent, which includes Deron Williams and Chandler Parsons. Add to it the experience of Dirk Nowitzki and they have it in them to contest in the competitive western conference.
However, the Mavericks could have been better off had they acquired the services of Jordan, who was said to have agreed to a deal with the Mavericks initially, but, changed his mind eventually to sign for the Clippers. This saga was one of the major highlight during the off-season.
Hence, this matchup between Clippers and Mavericks gains huge importance as well in the western conference.
Where to watch live
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks live NBA game is scheduled for 10:30pm local time (8am IST, 3:30am BST) start. Viewers in India can watch Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks on Sony Six SD and Sony Six HD.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks NBA game will be shown live in the US on Sportsnet One.
International viewers, including India, can watch all the NBA live action by live streaming on NBA Online.
