NBA Playoffs
Western Conference - First Round
Tip-off: Wednesday, 10:35 p.m. ET
Line: Los Angeles -1.0, Total: 207.0

The Spurs look to even up the series when they face the Clippers for Game 2 in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Clippers nearly played a flawless game in a 107-92 victory over the Spurs in Game 1 of this series. Los Angeles was a 1.5-point favorite and shot 51.3% from the field compared to the 36.6% shooting of San Antonio. The Clippers also shot 55.6% (10-for-18) from the outside and turned the ball over just 13 times in the game. They will need to play mistake-free basketball moving forward because this Spurs team is not going to shoot as poorly the rest of the series. With the win by Los Angeles in Game 1, the Clippers are now 3-2 both SU and ATS versus the Spurs. San Antonio is 13-3 ATS revenging a road loss versus an opponent of 10 points or more over the past two seasons. Los Angeles, however, is 21-9 ATS in home games when playing with two days of rest over the past three seasons and 12-4 ATS when playing six or less games in 14 days this season. PG Tony Parker (Ankle) was injured last game, but he is probable to play for San Antonio in this one. Los Angeles is not currently dealing with any significant injuries.

The Spurs were unable to play their game in Los Angeles in Game 1 and will need to come out with some fire on Wednesday. PF Tim Duncan (13.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.0 BPG) had 11 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 30 minutes of action on Sunday. It was his fifth straight double-double, but he did shoot just 4-for-10 from the field and will need to be more efficient moving forward. He was severely outplayed by Blake Griffin in Game 1 and must hold his own the rest of the series. SF Kawhi Leonard (16.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.3 SPG) had 18 points, six boards, three assists and four steals in Game 1. Leonard could see some more time guarding Chris Paul on Wednesday and if that’s the case, he must find a way to slow down the Clippers’ superstar. PG Tony Parker (14.4 PPG, 4.9 APG) had trouble guarding him in Game 1 and will need to step it up on both ends of the floor. He had just 10 points on 4-for-11 shooting in 29 minutes of action. Another guy who must return to form is SG Danny Green (11.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG). Green is one of the best outside shooters in the league (42% 3PT) and was just 2-for-11 from the field and 1-for-7 from behind the arc in Game 1. His six points were not enough and he will need to be better on Wednesday.

The Clippers were about as good as they can be on Sunday and PG Chris Paul (19.1 PPG, 10.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG) was the one running the show. Paul put on a clinic in the victory, finishing with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists on 13-for-20 shooting from the field. He was too much for Tony Parker and will need to continue to be aggressive as a scorer as long as the Spurs stick with that matchup. PF Blake Griffin (21.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.3 APG) was also dominant for Los Angeles in Game 1, finishing with 26 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks in 43 minutes of action. If he is playing that well on both ends of the floor then it will be very difficult for Tim Duncan to make his mark on the series. Griffin’s activity can tire Duncan out and he’ll need to continue to play a tough brand of basketball on the defensive end. C DeAndre Jordan (11.5 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 2.2 BPG) continues to do all of the little things for this team. He had nine points, 14 rebounds and four blocks in Game 1 and will need to keep protecting the rim moving forward. SG Jamal Crawford (15.8 PPG, 2.5 APG) provided a huge spark for the Clippers in Game 1, pouring in 17 points in just 23 minutes off the bench. He looked healthy for the first time since hurting his calf and can be a major x-factor in this series if he can avoid getting hurt.