National Basketball Association

Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Pre-Game Report 11/14/16

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:48 p.m. ET

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Feb 29, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) during an NBA game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In the third game of their five-game road trip, the Brooklyn Nets travel to the Staples Center to take on the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Los Angeles Clippers come into this game as the hottest team in the league with an NBA-best 9-1 record. They also lead the NBA in point differential, as they win by 15.1 points on average.

More from Nothin' But Nets

The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, may not be the best team in the league, but they’ve been nothing short of impressive so far this season. Many expected the Nets to be the worst team in the league, yet they find themselves right in the middle of the pack with a 4-5 record.

The Nets have won three of their last five games, while the Clippers are currently on a league-leading six-game win streak.

Last season, the Nets and Clippers met twice, which resulted in two wins for the Clippers. The Clippers scored 105 in both matchups, while the Nets put up 100 in the first one and 95 in the second.

Jan 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) holds the ball above Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Strong two-way play from the Nets

 Facing one of the hottest teams in the league, the Nets will need to be firing on all cylinders to win this matchup.

The Clippers lead the league in defense, allowing only 91.9 points per game. On offense, the Clippers aren’t too bad either, averaging 107 points per game – which is good for 10th best in the NBA.

The Nets have been doing well on the offensive side as of late, as they have averaged 112.3 points per game in their past three games. However, they have given up an average of 108 points to their opponents in that same span.

The potential is there for the Nets on both sides, but they especially need to do what they can to play good defense.

Contain Chris Paul and Blake Griffin

So far this season, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have been on fire. Paul averages 19 points per game and 8.5 assists per game, while Griffin averages 20.2 points per game with 9.8 rebounds per game.

The dynamic duo is typically tough to stop, so the Nets have to just do their best to contain them as much as possible. Of course, you know the two will likely have a solid game, so asking to shut them out completely is too much to ask.

The Nets should aim to prevent the two from blowing up. They need to play physically, double-team, and do whatever it takes to make them uncomfortable.

If the Nets can limit these two superstars down, they will greatly improve their chances of stealing one from the Clippers.

Players to Watch

Nets: Sean Kilpatrick (G) – 15.8 points per game, 43.4% field goal percentage this season

Clippers: Blake Griffin (F) – 20.2 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game this season

Dec 12, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) defends Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Projected Starters

Nets:

Clippers:

Injury Report

Nets:

Clippers:

Key Matchup:

Brook Lopez vs. Deandre Jordan

Whenever two of the premier centers in the league go at it, it’s always fun to watch. Look for these two to dominate the boards on both sides. Whoever can end up winning the battle under the glass will certainly provide a boost to their team.

The game will be broadcast on YES network at 10:30PM EST. Join the conversation by tweeting @NetsBlogFS.

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