When: 3:30 ET/12:30 PT
Who: The Seattle Supersonics (0-2) vs. The LA Clippers (1-0)
Where: The Staples Center, Los Angeles
Last Game: A 120-114 win over Golden State
Likely Starters:
PG - Sam Cassell (2007 PER: 17.02)
SG - Cuttino Mobley (2007 PER: 12.52)
SF - Corey Maggette (2007 PER: 18.67)
PF - Tim Thomas (2007 PER: 13.67)
C - Chris Kaman (2007 PER: 12.97)
Key Matchups
Chris Kaman vs. Chris Wilcox/Nick Collison: With Elton Brand on the injured list for the immediate future, Kaman is the Clips go-to guy in the low post and he dominated the Warriors with 26 points and 18 rebounds on 9-19 shooting in 37 minutes. He'll have a size advantage against the Sonics, and will likely look to take advantage of it. In 4 games against the Sonics last year he averaged 10 points and 11 rebounds. As the only low-post threat for the Clips he's likely to get his points.
Corey Maggette vs. Kevin Durant: The Clippers could go a variety of ways in defending Durant. However, I expect Maggette to get the nod at the start of the game. The tempo of the game will be quick, as both teams like to get up and down the floor. As with most players, Durant will be able to shoot over Maggette, however, he might find his drives to the basket to be more difficult against the physical and athletic Clip. Regardless, nothing short of a natural diaster should stop Durant from scoring 20+ on any night.
Outcome: This should be another high scoring affair, and though it's early in the season, the Sonics young legs could have a problem with the 3rd game in 4 nights. However, the Sonics are hungrier for a win, while the Clippers are sitting pretty after their opening win.
The pick: Expect the Sonics to come home victorious 113-104.
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