Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers look to snap a two-game losing streak tonight as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center. The Clippers and Thunder have split two games this season, with each team winning at home. The two teams play twice in the next five days.
Tonight is the Clippers penultimate home game of the season. After tonight's contest, the Clippers head out on a four-game road trip, including a trip to Oklahoma City on April 6. The Clippers end their season back in Los Angeles against Memphis on April 13.
Last night's loss in Phoenix was particularly disturbing to Steve Perrin at Clips Nation, who was displeased with the team's effort:
One of the supposed strengths of Vinny Del Negro when he was hired as coach was that he would have the team playing hard all season - well, let's see it. Last night in Phoenix their effort, particularly on defense, was embarrassing, and it hasn't been much better for three weeks. The season can't end soon enough if that's what we're going to be seeing.
Griffin has averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds against the Thunder this season, shooting 59.3% from the floor. Returning to his home state on February 22, Griffin nearly had a triple-double, with 28 points, 11 boards, and eight assists in the loss. Both teams are playing on the second night of back-to-back games, as the Thunder lost in Portland last night. Oklahoma City is 22-15 on the road this season.
For more news and information on the Clippers or tonight's game, be sure to read Clips Nation.