Despite the fact that there won't be any fans inside the NBA's bubble, Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George says his team's matchup with the Lakers on Opening Night 2.0 will still be filled with intensity.
George spoke to reporters Thursday and gave a quick preview of what to expect:
“I think you put us two together and we’re gonna create that intensity on our own,” George said, via Andrew Grief of the Los Angeles Times.
Much has been said about the crosstown rivalry that has grown between the Clippers and Lakers. Prior to the coronavirus hiatus, James had led the Lakers to the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference standings. Now, however, the two teams will be forced to play without any sort of home-court advantage.
Thursday's Clippers-Lakers matchup has significant playoff implications, more so for the Clippers. Three days prior to the NBA's decision to suspend this campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Lakers defeated the Clippers, 112-103, for their first win in three meetings. Right now, most oddsmakers are favoring the Lakers, but the Clippers, who are 5.5 games back in the standings, are in second. The Clippers are 1.5 games ahead of the Denver Nuggets.
George's opponent, Lakers superstar LeBron James, says he is locked in for the resumption of the season, no matter the circumstances:
Article Continues Below“I'll be as locked in as I can be under the circumstances,” James said Tuesday, via ESPN. “I won't cheat my teammates, I won't cheat our fans and I won't cheat myself. I'll be ready to go.”
The Clippers will be without guard Lou Williams for Thursday night's game against the Lakers. Williams is currently under quarantine protocol after visiting Magic City in Atlanta during an excused absence. Montrezl Harrell is also out, while Patrick Beverley is questionable.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are hoping Anthony Davis will be cleared to play after being poked in the eye during Saturday's scrimmage against the Orlando Magic. He said Wednesday he plans to play.
Thursday night's Clippers-Lakers game is scheduled to tip at 9:00 p.m. ET, with TNT having live broadcast coverage.