Round 3 Game 2 - at Phoenix 6 p.m. PST ESPN

[Kelphus]

Confirmation on media that both Kawhi and CP3 are again out tonight. So it's a rematch of Sunday, except for question of Morris' condition.

Vegas believes a little more - Clips opened as 6 point dogs, now spread down to 4.5.

We have seen again and again this team adjust in the playoffs. They realize how crucial this game is, and that they could have taken game 1 with a few things different.

Should be another great game, I really think Clips take this one.


Bringing out the big mojo guns again. (If this doesn't work, it's back to ClipperTaylor)

[og15]

Possibly no Cousins sighting in this one, but that might also depend on Morris' health. Morris out is a big blow to the small ball ability of the team.

Lue said he isn't sure about Morris' status for Game 2 after the starting power forward injured his right knee and only played five minutes in the second half of the Clippers' 120-114 loss to the Suns in Game 1.

Morris, who is receiving treatment on his knee, was not listed on the Clippers' injury report late Monday afternoon.

"Still experiencing some soreness, but he's been getting treatment around the clock," Lue said of Morris. "Not quite sure of his status tomorrow, but he's doing everything in his power to try to be out there tomorrow night."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31682775/la-clippers-kawhi-leonard-game-2-marcus-morris-status-uncertain

Suns are a tougher team to go down 2-0 to than the other opponents, first because they are a more balanced and deep team, and second because they probably get Paul back for game 3 while Kawhi is unlikely to be back.

[Kelphus]

Completely agree. That's why I see this as close to a must-win.

[NickP]

Yes it's a must win game and I agree that Phoenix is not a team you want to go down 0 and 2 to. We need more offense from guys not named PG or Reggie.
Last game we double teamed Booker who made us pay by dishing to Ayton for an easy dunk or the corner 3. I'll live with Booker making long 2s or 3s.
No Morris means Lue will be dusting Patterson off.
It's hard to beat these guys without Kawhi and Ibaka and now not having Morris means a much much more difficult task.
Let's go Clippers!!

[MartinToVaught]

I like our chances if Lue coaches better this time. No more no-defense lineups, and bench Rondo!

[NickP]

I like our chances if Lue coaches better this time. No more no-defense lineups, and bench Rondo!

There's only this much Lue can do without 3 starters. Let's hope Phoenix has a bad shooting game.

[MartinToVaught]

I like our chances if Lue coaches better this time. No more no-defense lineups, and bench Rondo!

There's only this much Lue can do without 3 starters. Let's hope Phoenix has a bad shooting game.

We don't know that Mook isn't playing, unless I missed the announcement. And honestly, he didn't do much in Game 1 and it was still a close game that could have been won with smarter rotations.

I also expect a big game from Luke. After telling the media that he's one of the best shooters in the league, I think he'll let it fly tonight with confidence.

[Wammy Giveaway]

Do you think the NBA schedulers gave Clippers little rest on purpose to help Suns win their series? That way, Chris Paul can make his first NBA Finals appearance.

[Clemenza]

I'm sure Lue has a strategy for the Suns' high pick n roll. Defend Book better. Mann has to go for 20+ and Kennard needs a breakout game. Hopefully Morris is well enough to play. We're tying this up tonight

[ducler]

Read on Twitter

[og15]

Do you think the NBA schedulers gave Clippers little rest on purpose to help Suns win their series? That way, Chris Paul can make his first NBA Finals appearance.

NBA gives the Clippers little rest because they want to make money and they want to put certain prime time games on specific nights. Their scheduling isn't particularly concerned with the players.

[mttwlsn16]

We finna get that dub tonight! Leggoooo

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[MartinToVaught]

Scott Foster and Kane Fitzgerald are reffing tonight. Not sure whether that helps or hurts us, but get ready to watch lots of whistles and free throws either way.

[KL2]

Morris is now a game time decision. Going to see how he feels after warmups. Yikes if he’s out too.

[og15]

I like our chances if Lue coaches better this time. No more no-defense lineups, and bench Rondo!

There's only this much Lue can do without 3 starters. Let's hope Phoenix has a bad shooting game.

We don't know that Mook isn't playing, unless I missed the announcement. And honestly, he didn't do much in Game 1 and it was still a close game that could have been won with smarter rotations.

I also expect a big game from Luke. After telling the media that he's one of the best shooters in the league, I think he'll let it fly tonight with confidence.

Morris has been up and down with his shooting and offensive production, but he is an important piece to continue small ball and to have lineups that can compete well enough and switch as necessary on defense.

Without him it becomes harder to put out lineups that won't have any defensive concerns.

If without Morris, Lue starts:
Jackson
Mann
George
Batum
Zubac?

Lue's bench options are Beverley, Rondo, Kennard, Cousins, Patterson

Patterson is generally decent on defense, but not sure he's playable in the matchup, and to get guys enough rest through the game, he will have to have lineups with at least two bench players. This basically makes poorer defensive lineups unavoidable.

It will be tough for sure, hopefully they can do their best, but too many injuries. Realistically the Clippers could be down three starters from their regular season, you don't need to coach poorly to lose a game down three starters when your lineup options are then cut in half.

[KL2]

Morris will play. Let’s hope the day off and the rest/treatment helps him this game.

[mttwlsn16]

MM good to go

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[MartinToVaught]

This is so unfortunate for CP3 if true, and also potentially a big deal for the series:

Read on Twitter

If CP3 is actually symptomatic now, he might not even come back this series.

[Scoundreldays]

Let's do this redemption Clippers! *Raises hands for PG13, Morris, Reggie Jackson spirit bomb*

[donemilio21]

this is a must win for us. We came back from 0-2 twice, but a third time is far out of our reach if we lose tonight.

I am expecting big games from Reggie and PG, with clutch contributions from Zubac, Boogie and Kennard.