LA Clippers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction: The Clippers can win big

The NBA has brought to us a multitude of exciting battles and the temperature has been red-hot as the competition level keeps touching new highs. But this is a long season and fortunes can overturn at a quick rate. Therefore, it is difficult to predict where things will go at times on a nightly basis. In this game, the LA Clippers are going to take on the Detroit Pistons.

The Clippers come into this game after suffering a heartbreaking 101:103 as Luka Doncic hit a late shot to seal the deal. Paul George continued to carry the load with 23 points. The Clippers have split their last six games and just when you think they are developing something, they are held back with a loss. This is the repeat of the last season and of course, both seasons have one big similarity; no Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers do miss Kawhi many times because only George is left to shoulder the burden.

One area where the Clippers need a lot of work is seizing the moment and not collapsing on the offensive end repeatedly. They are dead last in points per game and that is because they turn it over a lot and are unable to get second-chance points. Reggie Jackson has had a disappointing offensive season, Norman Powell isn’t reliable and John Wall has been doing a decent job off the bench. At this point, the Clippers need one among Jackson or Powell to double their output.

The Pistons enter the game after losing to the Raptors 111:115 despite a 21 points performance by Jaden Ivey. The Pistons are on a four-game losing streak and have lost 12 out of 15 games. They have had three-game losing streaks thrice already in the season. Jaden Ivey has been a constant all-around presence and as a rookie, he has made huge impressions. Cade Cunningham is another interesting talent and the team has a versatile all-around backcourt.

The Pistons have improved as a three-point shooting team and have elevated the scoring in big ways after acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic who is one of the most effective shooters. Saddiq Bey has continued to struggle whereas Isaiah Stewart has been big on the rebounding and inside scoring end. Jalen Duren has pretty much a similar game to Stewart and can end up being a bit-time offensive rebounder. Alec Burks’ return has improved the scoring end but the defense remains a problem.

• Clippers: DOUBTFUL: Luke Kennard. QUESTIONABLE: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard;
• Pistons: OUT: Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart. QUESTIONABLE: Cory Joseph.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Paul George(25+ Points), Bojan Bogdanovic(20+ Points), Jaden Ivey(18-23 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Ivica Zubac(9-13 Rebounds), Jalen Duren(8-10 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Reggie Jackson(6-8 Assists), Jaden Ivey(5-8 Assists).

Paul George’s status for the game is up in the air and when he doesn’t play, the Clippers’ attack looks toothless. However, the Pistons have their own injury troubles and for a team that is suffering so badly, that only worsens matters. The Pistons have done better offensively while the Clippers have done better defensively. I expect the Clippers to nab a win at home whether George plays or not. The Total Points Range can be 220-230 here. The scoreline Prediciton is 118:107 in favor of the Clippers.

UPDATE: Kawhi Leonard has been upgraded to "QUESTIONABLE".