After their first winning road trip in five years, the Los Angeles Clippers return to Staples Center, beginning a four-game homestand against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tonight is the second and final meeting between these two teams this season. The 76ers won in Philadelphia, 105-91 on December 15.
Blake Griffin has had a double-double in 54 of 68 games this season, though he is coming off arguably his worst game of the season. Griffin was held under 10 points for the first time in his pro career on Monday in Memphis, and he finished with eight points and nine rebounds. Still, Griffin is one double-double shy of tying the Clippers' franchise record for double-doubles in one season, set by Elton Brand in 2001-2002.
Philadelphia brings with them the return to Los Angeles of Brand and former UCLA Bruin Jrue Holiday, who are two of four 76ers averaging 13 points or more this season. The 76ers are a half-game behind the Knicks for the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, and a 5½-game lead over the ninth-place Charlotte Bobcats with 15 games remaining, so they will almost certainly make the playoffs. Philadelphia has lost three of their last four games, but their win was over the Boston Celtics last Friday.
Here are tonight's probable starting lineups:
76ers (34-33)
- Point Guard: Jrue Holiday
- Shooting Guard: Jodie Meeks
- Small Forward: Andre Iguodala
- Power Forward: Elton Brand
- Center: Spencer Hawes
Iguodala is day-to-day with right knee chrondomalacia.
Clippers (26-42)
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Point Guard: Mo Williams
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Shooting Guard: Randy Foye
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Small Forward: Ryan Gomes
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Power Forward: Blake Griffin
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Center: DeAndre Jordan
For more news and information on tonight's game, be sure to read Clips Nation.