Gameday Thread: Suns @ Clippers 10-31-2016

[Ronin]

Jordan dealing with sprained thumb as Clippers face Suns

LOS ANGELES -- The health of center DeAndre Jordan was a major concern for the Los Angeles Clippers heading into Monday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center.

Jordan suffered what was initially diagnosed as a sprained right thumb in the third quarter of Sunday's 88-75 win over the Utah Jazz.

Link

 

[Hoop Head]

Really hoping TJ keeps playing the way he has this season. He's easily the best player on the team right now. I knew he'd be improved but he's been consistently impressive. I wish he'd get more time with Len or Chandler plus Bender or Chriss, he needs to play with real PF's and C's more often instead of being forced to the PF spot so often.

 

[leclerc]

Warren has been better than I expected. Booker has been worse - but he's not 100% healthy.

Hope to see more minutes to Bender and Ulis this game. Tucker, Barbosa and Knight have not earned their minutes. They have been rather sub par.

Bender needs to make some cuts and be more involved on offence. He can give us so much more than catch and shoot long two, just kidding, that's Knight's game.

 

[Ronin]

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[Ronin]

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[sunsfan88]

I really hope Booker just sits out and then heals before coming back. It may hurt his confidence playing through the injury and doing awful.

That said, can we fabricate an injury for Knight and have him sit as well?

Really hope Jenkins starts or Ulis start if Booker doesn't play rather than Knight.

 

[Chaplin]

I really hope Booker just sits out and then heals before coming back. It may hurt his confidence playing through the injury and doing awful.

That said, can we fabricate an injury for Knight and have him sit as well?

Really hope Jenkins starts or Ulis start if Booker doesn't play rather than Knight.

I think there is a 100% chance that Knight will be the starter if Booker doesn't play.

 

[sunsfan88]

I think there is a 100% chance that Knight will be the starter if Booker doesn't play.

Yeah but I can still dream...

 

[Ronin]

Projected starting lineups

C: Tyson Chandler … DeMarcus Jordan

PF: Jared Dudley … Blake Griffin

SF: T.J. Warren … Luc Mbah a Moute

SG: Devin Booker …. J.J. Redick

PG: Eric Bledsoe … Chris Paul

Key Clippers reserves: Brandon Bass, Wes Johnson, Marreese Speights, Austin Rivers, Raymond Felton, Jamal Crawford.

Key Clippers injuries: Paul Pierce (right ankle sprain) and Brice Johnson (herniated disc) are out. DeAndre Jordan sprained his right thumb during Sunday’s game but returned and finished the game. He is not listed on the Clippers’ injury report.

Link

 

[Bert]

It's quarters like this that make me wonder about Len. He has been absolutely fantastic. If this kid could just be more consistent he would be a major force...

 

[Shaggy]

Man, 0-4. Was ESPN right about just 25 wins this year?

 

[Errntknght]

Man, 0-4. Was ESPN right about just 25 wins this year?

25 sounds about right. I'm not too thrilled with Watson's use of the older players but why worry much after just 4 games. Frankly the quicker we're eliminated from the playoffs the quicker he'll start giving the youngsters more time, which is what most of us want to see. Personally, I'd be playing them as much as possible out of the gate but letting them ease into it works well oftentimes, too.

Heck, once we have a good idea how the draft is looking we may be happy to be at the bottom of the standings... we need a couple more pieces, I imagine...

 

[leclerc]

What is Tucker doing playing major minutes. I can understand Chriss not playing because of foul trouble but 0 minutes to Bender in the first half? That's weak Earl!

 

[overseascardfan]

What is Tucker doing playing major minutes. I can understand Chriss not playing because of foul trouble but 0 minutes to Bender in the first half? That's weak Earl!

Maybe Watson is making them earn their minutes.

 

[sunsfan88]

Maybe Watson is making them earn their minutes.

What exactly has Tucker done to earn minutes then?

And Knight either for that matter.

Ulis and Bender have outplayed both this season.

 

[leclerc]

What exactly has Tucker done to earn minutes then?

And Knight either for that matter.

Ulis and Bender have outplayed both this season.

I've been pleasantly surprised by all three; Chriss, Ulis and Bender, from the opening game. Tucker is worse than last year. A step slow on defence and little contributions on offence.

 

[sunsfan88]

I've been pleasantly surprised by all three; Chriss, Ulis and Bender, from the opening game. Tucker is worse than last year. A step slow on defence and little contributions on offence.

Bender's been a pleasant surprise. After how awful he's looked through summer league and pre season, he's certainly shown some of why the Suns were so high on him.

 

[95pro]

Knight has proven that he's 6th-man material. He's pretty awful out there with decision making while trying to play PG.

Heck i'd start Barbosa as 6th man, he's improved his fundamental defense with better positioning as well as a better shot selection. Remember when he used to speed into the lane and commit a charge?


Len was frustrating last night. I'm not sure if he will ever have the strength to finish those would-be And1 plays.
Chandler is old and can't protect against the lob anymore, we've given up quit a bit of lob/dunks already this year.

Please reduce Tuckers minutes. Chriss has to learn to play through the fouls and also keep from fouling.

Warren has been awesome. That midrange is unstoppable. Hopefully he stays away from the 3 this year, people always say you need to expand your game but usually become 3 happy.

 

[overseascardfan]

What exactly has Tucker done to earn minutes then?

And Knight either for that matter.

Ulis and Bender have outplayed both this season.

Maybe he doesn't want them feeling entitled, maybe they aren't going hard in practice, maybe he doesn't want them hitting the wall in the middle of the year. The reason there are veterans on this team is so that the rookies can be brought along slowly instead of overwhelming them. Maybe he is bringing in all 3 off the bench so they develop together until they are ready for starting roles.

 

[sdscard4]

Very disappointed with Knight. We really need to package some players and picks to bring in someone good.