Game preview: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers

The San Antonio Spurs will ride a two-game winning streak at the Intuit Dome, where they will favor The Wall and a boisterous California crowd. After defeating the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, they face the struggling Los Angeles Clippers. Without Kawhi Leonard (injury) and Paul George (free agency), it's the James Harden show in LA.

Harden is averaging 21.8 points and 10.8 assists. Despite its success, the Clippers have failed to be a consistently effective offensive team. They are averaging just 108.3 points per game and shooting just 33% from three-point range. San Antonio's defense appeared to have improved significantly this season, led by the efforts of Victor Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan. The latter will probably have the Harden duel.

San Antonio's schedule is easing up after some tough matchups early in the season. There is an opportunity for the team to build a real winning streak in the next few games. It needs to start with a focused effort for the Spurs' first West Coast road trip of the season.

November 4, 2024 | 9:30 p.m. CT

View: Bally Southwest | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spore injuries: Tre Jones – Out (Ankle), Devin Vassell – Out (Foot), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League), Riley Minix – Out (G League)

Clippers Injuries: Mo Bamba – Out (knee), Cam Christie – Out (G League), Trentyn Flowers – Out (G League), Kawhi Leonard – Out (knee), PJ Tucker – Out (not with team)

What you should pay attention to

The sales battle

The Spurs and Clippers are among the league's highest-grossing teams. They eliminated the mistakes during San Antonio's two-game winning streak, turning the ball over just 12 times per game during that span. The Clippers give the ball away 17.8 times per game. San Antonio's swarming defense, led by Wembanyama and Sochan, could cause some problems for a Clippers team that has struggled on offense.

Own the glass

The Clippers may be banged up and hurt, but they will still fight to win. They are led by the outstanding Ivica Zubac, who averages 17.5 points and 13 rebounds (including 3.8 on offense). San Antonio was also a good rebounding team. They are active on offense and secure stops while the group rebounds on defense. With two strong interior teams, a rebound advantage could provide an advantage.

San Antonio's aggressive offense

There has been noticeable aggression on offense in Spurs' last two games. It started with Chris Paul looking for his shot in the pick-and-roll. That opened up more options for Wembanyama and helped shooters like Harrison Barnes find opportunities. Sochan constantly grappled with the color and finish, with both power and finesse. The Clippers are a respectable defensive team, although not one that causes a lot of turnovers. The Spurs should take advantage of this fact and attack the Los Angeles defense.

For a Clippers fan's perspective, please visit Clips Nation.

If you want, you can follow the game on our Twitter (@poundingtherock) or visit our game thread!