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The Brooklyn Nets continue their Western Conference road trip and head to Staples Center to face the LA Clippers tonight. Unfortunately, this blockbuster encounter will not feature Kevin Durant in the Nets lineup as he is set to miss yet another game due to a hamstring injury.
This is the second time the LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets are meeting this season. The first matchup saw the Nets take the victory behind Kyrie Irving's 39-point performance and James Harden's triple-double. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard combined for 59 points and 11 assists in that game but couldn't secure a win for the LA Clippers down the stretch.
Best combined starting 5 between the LA Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets
This might just be an NBA Finals Preview as the LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets are both title-contenders and are top 3 in their respective conferences. Let's take a look at the combined starting 5 between the LA Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets.
Point Guard - James Harden (Brooklyn Nets)
As stated by Kyrie Irving himself, James Harden is officially the Brooklyn Nets' point guard while Irving is playing the role of the shooting guard. Harden's passing and superior playmaking make him a perfect fit for the point guard position. Harden has changed his game drastically to fit in the Brooklyn Nets system. He is deferring to his teammates more often than he was in Houston and is attempting far fewer shots as well.
Harden recently led a Brooklyn Nets team that was missing Irving and Durant, to a 24-point comeback against the Phoenix Suns.
Shooting Guard - Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets)
Kyrie Irving is dominating in his new position as the starting shooting guard for the Brooklyn Nets. He doesn't need to dedicate his energy and attention to playmaking and can solely focus on getting the team buckets.
Irving is playing at an extremely high level, many analysts have said that this is his best season so far, and his efficiency from the floor is unmatched.
Irving is one of the best guards in the NBA and his handles, along with his stellar shooting, can break down any defense in the league.
Small Forward - Paul George (LA Clippers)
Paul George is averaging incredible numbers this season and there is an argument to be made that his high-level of production is why the LA Clippers are a top 3 seed. He is averaging nearly as many points as Kawhi Leonard and the two have been dominant in the 2020-21 NBA season.
Paul George is also shooting efficiently this season, and may even enter the 50-40-90 club.
Power Forward - Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers)
Kawhi Leonard's defensive prowess allows him to play either forward position. He is lethal in the open court and can get his team buckets while also defending the opposition's best player. Kawhi Leonard is an early MVP candidate and may earn his first-ever MVP award this season.
Kawhi has also been named a Western Conference All-Star starter this year, after becoming the inaugural winner of the All-Star Game MVP (renamed to Kobe Bryant MVP) in 2020.
Center - Serge Ibaka (LA Clippers)
The LA Clippers' latest center, Serge Ibaka is flourishing in Los Angeles. He has adjusted to his role perfectly and has continued his prolific partnership with Kawhi Leonard. The two played together in Toronto on the Raptors' 2019 Championship-winning team.
Serge Ibaka has earned the nickname "I-block-a" because of his rim-protecting prowess and shot-blocking ability. He is the ideal center for this star-studded starting 5, thanks to his effectiveness while running pick-and-rolls, as well as his outside shooting and passing from inside the post.
Also Read: Brooklyn Nets vs LA Clippers Prediction & Match Preview - February 21st, 2021 | NBA Season 2020-21
