San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Tuesday features a battle of Western Conference foes as the San Antonio Spurs (2-4) take on the Los Angeles Clippers (5-2). The Clippers will host this one from the Staples Center, with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 pm ET.
After winning their first two games of the season, the Spurs come into this one looking to snap a four-game losing streak. In their last game, on Sunday, they lost to the Utah Jazz 130-109. In the loss, Keldon Johnson led the way with 22 points and seven rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan added 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The Clippers have won three out of their last four, including a 112-107 win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Paul George stole the show as he had 39 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Kawhi Leonard was the next leading scorer with 15.
By The Numbers
Offensively, these two have had very similar outputs. The Spurs rank 16th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 110.7 points per game. The Clippers rank one spot behind them at 17th averaging 110.6 points.
Defensively, it has been the Clippers who hold the edge. They rank 11th in scoring defense, allowing 108.6 points per game. The Spurs fall to 22nd, allowing 115.2 points per game.
Spurs Looking To End Losing Streak
After what seemed like such a promising start to the season has turned into a bit of a freefall over the last several games for San Antonio. The Spurs will try to stop their losing streak but will have to stop the top team in the West to do so.
Leading the way early in the season for the Spurs has been DeMar DeRozan. He leads the team in scoring with 21.3 points per game on 50% shooting. He is also averaging six rebounds, 7.3 assists, and one steal per game.
Other notable contributors include Keldon Johnson, 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists), Dejounte Murray (15 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists), Lonnie Walker IV (12.7 points), Rudy Gay (12.2 points, 4.5 rebounds), and LaMarcus Aldridge (12 points, 4.3 rebounds).
Aldridge has missed three straight games, though, as he deals with a knee injury and is questionable for Tuesday’s matchup.
Clippers Out To Keep Top Spot In West Locked
The Clippers know that every win will be huge down the stretch in what is a loaded Western Conference. Although they are only seven games into the season, they currently sit tied for the conference lead with the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, two teams that will likely be near the top towards the end of the season.
Of course, the Clippers have the advantage of being led by a tandem of superstars in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. George is currently averaging 25.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.1 steals, while Leonard is averaging 22 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.
While these two are the showstoppers for the Clippers, they have plenty of depth to go alongside them. Serge Ibaka (13 points, 6.3 rebounds), Ivica Zubac (9.7 points), Lou Williams (9.3 points), Luke Kennard (8.4 points), and Nicolas Batum (8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds) have all had early success with the team.
Clippers Win Easily
NBA games frequently come down to superstars and depth, and the Clippers have the advantage in both areas. I anticipate that the Clippers will walk away with the win in this one and do so with relative ease.