It was a slow start to the season for the Los Angeles Clippers, but they've rebounded and surged to the Western Conference's second best record at 15-7. The Cleveland Cavaliers also started the season off slowly but haven't managed to turn it around quite as nicely as the Clippers managed to, sitting at a paltry 9-14 with a current 3-7 clip in their last ten games.
The Clippers won their last game against the Orlando Magic but their hopes at a title took a huge hit as they learned that 'Mr. Big Shot' Chauncey Billups injured his Achilles tendon to the tune of ending his season. Billups had played a huge part in the Clippers offense as the season had gone along since being claimed off waivers at the start of the campaign, but the Clippers have some depth and will have to look past him. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin alone are enough to make any other team look twice.
Cleveland have continued to be the Kyrie Irving show as the season has gone along. The Rookie of the Month for January had another great game against the Miami Heat even in a losing effort. Injuries haven't helped them any, with several key players missing on a team already lacking in depth and talent even with a full roster dressing every night.
With a win tonight, the Clippers would have five straight wins in a row away from Staples Center, something that the franchise has not accomplished since they were still the Buffalo Braves back in 1974. They have lost their last nine straight games against the Cavs in Cleveland.
The game will be at Quicken Loans Arena at 7 PM ET.
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