Rowan Kavner
PHILADELPHIA – The offense is rolling as the Clippers get set for the final 10 games of the regular season.
The Clippers (47-25) have scored at least 107 points in each of their last four games and will put their five-game winning streak on the line Friday against the 76ers (18-54).
“We know what to expect from each other a little bit more,” said Chris Paul. “We take a lot more pride in execution. We’ve just got to get it all clicking.”
Paul said reads are getting easier this year, though they still need to get better. J.J. Redick said he believes the Clippers are getting back to last year’s pace, but he feels that the team’s getting better executing and knowing where everyone will get their shots from on the floor.
“Last year was our first year together as a group with Doc (Rivers) and figuring stuff out,” Redick said. “I think we’re on the way to figuring it out.”
The Clippers are up to 109.4 points per 100 possessions, which trails only the Warriors (109.6). The Clippers are figuring things out on both ends as the regular season dwindles down.
“Not that we were coasting before, but down the stretch everyone heightens their game a little bit, especially jockeying for position,” said Blake Griffin.
Tipoff: 4:00PM PT
LAST TIME OUT
Clippers 111, Knicks 80 – The Clippers jumped out to a double-digit lead and never looked back, leading by 30 points at halftime courtesy of a handful of lobs and jams. The starters sat early, as Austin Rivers finished with a game-high 21 points. The Clippers shot 56.4 percent, dished out 31 assists and forced 20 turnovers from the Knicks, not allowing a single fast-break point.
76ers 99, Nuggets 85 – Robert Covington scored 25 points off the bench and the 76ers hit 14 3-pointers while holding the Nuggets to 34.5 percent shooting. Philadelphia outscored Denver, 27-9, in the fourth quarter. Nerlens Noel added 14 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and four steals. The 76ers had 12 blocks as a team.
NOTEWORTHY MATCHUP
DeAndre Jordan vs. Nerlens Noel – It’s been a phenomenal month for Noel, who’s averaging 13.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and more than two steals and two blocks per game in March. It’s been a phenomenal year for Jordan, who’s averaging 11.2 points and 14.8 rebounds per game this year. Noel’s got 10 blocks in his last two games. Jordan and Noel are two of the most athletic bigs in the game, and this frontcourt matchup will be one to keep an eye on.
TWO THINGS TO WATCH
Ball Security – Chris Paul was happy to see the Clippers do a good job taking care of the ball against the Knicks even with the quick lead. The Hornets are the only team who turn the ball over fewer times per game than the Clippers. The 76ers, meanwhile, turn the ball over more and allow more points off turnovers than any team in the league.
Shooting Efficiency – The Clippers own the second-best field goal percentage and offensive rating in the game, while scoring the second most points per game. The 76ers hold the worst shooting percentage and offensive rating in the league. As the Clippers attempt to score 100 points for the fifth straight game, the 76ers have only accomplished the feat once in their last seven games.
NOTES: Three of the 76ers’ 18 wins this season have come in their last five games … The Clippers won by 36 points in the first matchup between these teams … The Clippers have won the last six regular-season matchups against Philadelphia … Tony Wroten scored 27 points in the first matchup between the teams, but Wroten (knee) will be out Friday … Chris Paul had 24 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in his first matchup this season against the 76ers … Spencer Hawes played three-plus seasons for the 76ers (2010-14)
