The Los Angeles Clippers received some disheartening news when they learned All-Star forward Blake Griffin would be out two to six weeks with a staph infection in his elbow. The Clippers are already in the midst of a slump, and this could send into a downward spiral in the brutal Western Conference. If Griffin does have the miss an extended period of time, how will Los Angeles do in their next 10 games?
Follow our Los Angeles Clippers team page for all the latest Clippers news and rumors!
FEBRUARY 9 at DALLAS MAVERICKS
The Mavs and Clippers are fighting for playoff positioning in the bottom half of the Western Conference playoff picture, so there will be an extra intensity in this game. Dallas is deeper team and they're at home, and I expect them to take advantage of the Clippers' poor play of late.
Dallas wins 119-105
FEBRUARY 11 vs. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Los Angeles will love to return home following their eight-game Grammy road trip, and they'll be facing a wounded Rockets team. Both sides will be looking ahead to the much-need break for All-Star weekend, but Houston will be playing without Dwight Howard, giving the Clippers an opportunity to grab a win.
Los Angeles wins 112-104
FEBRUARY 19 vs. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Fresh off the All-Star break, both the Spurs and Clippers should be rejuvenated and playing at a high level. This break should refocus Los Angeles, and their speed and athleticism has always given San Antonio's problems.
Los Angeles wins 109-102
FEBRUARY 21 vs. SACRAMENTO KINGS
The Kings have been reeling since they fired Mike Malone early in the season, and are on the verge of hiring George Karl. That move would improve them tremendously, but they still won't be able to compete with some of the top teams in the conference.
Los Angeles wins 104-88
FEBRUARY 23 vs. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Memphis has quietly posted the third best record in the NBA so far this season, and they've grabbed a firm hold on the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference. Their grind-it-out defensive style has given the Clippers fits in the past, and it will happen again.
Memphis wins 96-87
FEBRUARY 25 at HOUSTON ROCKETS
Dwight Howard will still be out for the Rockets, negating the loss of Griffin. However, the Clippers are still trying to find consistency on the road. I think Houston will be able to control the game thanks to a huge performance from James Harden and solid play from their role players, who always play better at home.
Houston wins 108-104
FEBRUARY 27 at MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Blake Griffin has been the key LA has used against the Grizzlies in the past, and if he's out, they won't have enough toughness inside to win this one.
Memphis wins 98-90
MARCH 1 at CHICAGO BULLS
Los Angeles could be riding a three-game losing streak into Chicago needing a win in the worst way, and the Bulls have been a surprisingly average team in the United Center (13-11). I would expect the Clippers to play with a lot of energy in this one and pull out a close win.
Los Angeles wins 104-97
MARCH 2 at MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Minnesota is the worst team in the league right now at 11-40, and while they have some good young talent, they are lacking the size and experience necessary to have a chance against the Clippers.
Los Angeles wins 120-102
MARCH 4 vs. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
The Blazers and Clippers have given us some of the best games in the league over the past two seasons, and this one should be another good one. However, if Griffin is still out, Los Angeles will run out of steam at the end because of their lack of depth.
Portland wins 110-103
Back to the Los Angeles Clippers Newsfeed