Where: STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA
When: Friday, October 25th, 2013 @ 7:30PM (PST)
TV:
/ NBATVRadio:
Key Reserves
Vasquez | Thornton | Salmons | Thompson | Cousins
Reserves
Thomas | McLemore | Outlaw | Patterson
Inactive List:
Darren Collison (Rest), Jared Dudley (Rest) and Maalik Wayns (Meniscus) are out.
Carl Landry (Hip Flexor) is out.
Final game of the 2013 preseason. The last time these two teams met, the Clippers were without 5 of their primary rotation players, which included 4 of their starters. The starting 5 is intact and we should witness the preseason debut of Matt Barnes who returned to practice on Friday.
Last season, Barnes along with Jamal Crawford, Eric Bledsoe, Lamar Odom and the rest adopted the moniker "A Tribe Called Bench" In the year prior, the reserves were known as the "Goon Squad." Last season, the bench was a well-oiled machine. So far, individuals have had their moments, but the bench has yet to become a collective force. Barnes' feistiness and intensity will certainly have a positive effect on his benchmates. Hopefully his return will be the straw that stirs their drink.
Due to the injury that JJ Redick sustained early on in camp, the starters have not had much of a chance to play together. Redick will be the first to admit that there's rust and that his conditioning isn't where it needs to be, but it is easy to tell that he will be an effective addition to the roster. His shooting touch as well as his ability move off the ball adds a new dynamic to an offense that was often stagnant in years' past.
Hopefully the team ends the preseason on a high note which can carry over to the season opener on Tuesday.
