NBA Sundays preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs Cleveland Cavaliers

The Los Angeles Clippers will host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for a Sunday night showdown at the Staples Center between two teams who are looking likely to make the NBA Playoffs at the end of the regular season. This game will be a rematch of last January’s clash, which saw the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 115-102, at the Quicken Loans Arena.

(Getty Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are not in the best form at the moment. Last Monday’s unexpected defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies, decimated by injuries, caused discontent on the team, with two-time champion LeBron James even stating that his team is not ready for the NBA play-offs at the moment. I’m sure, however, that the Cavaliers will get back to winning ways, as demonstrated by their victories against the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week, to clinch an NBA Playoffs spot as soon as possible and focus on the postseason, where they will try to reach the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. After all, the Cavaliers are still leading the Eastern Conference, despite the tough competition of the Toronto Raptors, which means they are still the team to beat in the East.

Player to Watch: LeBron James – At 31, James has proven throughout this season that he is still able to make the difference at multiple levels. As he demonstrated in last year’s NBA Finals, he’s very difficult to stop offensively and his ability to find space for himself or drive to the basket and score. He is also a relentless defender and a fantastic passer. His role is key for the Cavaliers and he’s not only one of the best players in the world, but one of the league’s best leaders.

Los Angeles Clippers

Although they are currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers’ record would put them in the top three in the East not far from the Cavaliers. Their top scorer, Blake Griffin, has been out since Christmas and the Clippers have surprised many by remaining competitive in a historically tough Western Conference. They have so far managed to keep pace with the powerhouse NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although trade rumours last month suggested that Griffin’s future would not be in Los Angeles, now that the five-time NBA All-Star’s return is close, the Clippers have the opportunity to reintroduce their star to their line-up and can potentially become an even more competitive team, which could make them a real threat for any team in the NBA Playoffs.

Player to Watch: DeAndre Jordan – The 27 year-old from Houston, Texas led the NBA in field goal percentage and rebounds per game in both the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Standing at 6ft 11in, Jordan’s presence and offensive threat draws defences attention thus creating space for his teammates. He is a huge individual with incredible athleticism, allowing him to grab rebounds and show off a highlight dunk or two. His size also means he cuts an intimidating figure on the defensive end, with opposing players forced to be careful about what shot they put up against him in case he swats it into the crowd.

Who wins? Tweet your prediction using #NBASUNDAYS

NBA Sundays on BT Sport – a live NBA game every Sunday. This week on 13 March the Los Angeles Clippers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on BT Sport ESPN at 7.30pm.