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The Los Angeles Clippers will be one of the most watched teams in the upcoming NBA season. With the return of elite forward Kawhi Leonard and the acquisition of former All-Star John Wall, Paul George and the Clips are at the top of all power rankings.
Some big names are back in action as headliners and are wowing Clipper Nation as ever. The team also has a new arena in the foreground, adding to the anticipation of the organization’s success. And just recently, LA’s schedule for the 2022-23 game year was released:
The LA Clippers official schedule
So far it’s a routine hoop game for the best team in town. With up to 15 back-to-backs up from last year’s 14 and a back-to-back break from Christmas Day action, it’s clear the NBA still doesn’t respect the Clippers.
However, the team is still a thrill and have their fair share of primetime games ahead of them. Based on when the schedule was released, here are the top five games on the Clippers’ schedule this season, in order of appearance:
1.) Clippers @ Lakers
On October 20th, basketball fans will rejoice as future Hall of Famers Lebron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook take the floor against Leonard, George and Wall for the first time. The game marks a fresh start for each club, considering injuries have derailed past indoor series matchups.
In a fireworks show, Crypto.com Arena is the biggest winner when the top competition hits the Los Angeles hardwood. Both purple and gold and blue and white fans should get excited because the boys are back in town!
2.) Clippers vs. Suns
No love has been lost between the Suns and Clippers dating back to the heated battle that was the 2021 Western Conference Finals. LA’s home opener against Phoenix will be difficult as both rivals have unfinished business.
The last time fans saw the Clippers and Suns play a meaningful game, Patrick Beverley shoved Chris Paul to the floor. So it’s safe to say there will be more shoving and shoving. Calendars should be marked for this competition; You can’t go wrong in playoff rematches.
A trip to the Bay sees the Clippers meet the defending champions Golden State Warriors for the first time this season. The contest, which lands on Thanksgiving Eve, allows LA to make a statement to the NBA.
Since the dubs haven’t seen the healthy clips in over a year, expect surprises and complex game plans from coaches Ty Lue and Steve Kerr. There’s no better test of talent when you’re up against the best in the league, so stay tuned for the November 23 meetup.
Related: 50 Best NBA Players of 2022: Stephen Curry leads the charge after a brilliant season
4.) Clippers vs. Celtics
Some call the Celtics the younger version of the Clippers. Championship runners-up are built similarly and also have a duo of two-way wings that can score with the best of them. When the two teams face each other, the games are always electrifying and on point.
Wall/Marcus Smart, George/Jayson Tatum and Leonard/Jaylen Brown all offer intriguing clashes of comparable skills at their respective positions. The Crypt is where to be on December 12th when the best of the East come to the West.
5.) Clippers @ Nets
Yes, the Nets are visiting LA this fall. But Brooklyn has a reputation for making big trades and having players unavailable at the worst times. The later affair is more interesting as it comes closer to the trade deadline – and may present a final draft of the Nets list. Anyway, having KD and Kyrie Irving on the floor along with PG and the Klaw is straight out of a movie so don’t miss it.
