Slumping Clippers Face Bulls Squad Riding Rare High
Bogdan Bogdanovic was assessing his struggles in his first start with the Los Angeles Clippers when he indirectly captured the pulse of the team.
“It’s easy when everything is good, you know. Sometimes you can mask yourself with a couple wins,” Bogdanovic said. “But it’s good to see the real picture sometimes.”
The Clippers are getting a clear view of their issues heading into Wednesday’s visit to the Chicago Bulls. With key starters Kawhi Leonard (left foot soreness) and Norman Powell (left patellar tendinopathy) sidelined, along with reserve Ben Simmons (left knee injury management), Los Angeles fell 106-97 to Detroit on Monday, marking their third straight loss and sixth in nine games.
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Despite their struggles, the Clippers still held the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference before Tuesday’s action but were only two games ahead of 10th-place Sacramento in the race to avoid the play-in tournament.
Clippers Searching for Stability
Injuries and inconsistency have given players like Bogdanovic, recently acquired from Atlanta, a chance to step up. While he has scored in double figures in three of his five games with the Clippers, his shooting has been off, hitting just 2-for-20 from three-point range over the last two contests.
“I’m trying to find myself in a role in the team and fit in,” Bogdanovic said. “The most important thing for me is to find a way that’s contributing to winning.”
Bulls Break Losing Streak in Statement Win
Chicago ended a season-long six-game skid in emphatic fashion with a 142-110 road rout of the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Josh Giddey recorded his third consecutive double-double, contributing 25 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.
Like Los Angeles, the Bulls remain in playoff contention despite recent struggles. Chicago currently holds a 1.5-game lead over Brooklyn for the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Although the Bulls were without Nikola Vucevic (calf) and lost Lonzo Ball during the game due to a head laceration, their ability to dominate a short-handed 76ers squad provided a much-needed confidence boost.
“That’s a team we’re close to in the standings,” Giddey said. “So I’m feeling good, the guys are feeling good, and this was a much-needed win for us to get back on the right track and hopefully build some momentum going forward.”
New Faces Making an Impact
Chicago’s recent acquisitions Kevin Huerter (23 points) and Zach Collins (19 points) also played significant roles in the victory. Huerter, in particular, feels rejuvenated following the All-Star break.
“The (All-Star) break was a big mental refresh,” Huerter said. “Coming back ready to get going, turn the page, and start with this organization, being confident in who I am.”
Chicago will now look to sweep the season series after winning the first meeting against the Clippers 112-99 on Jan. 20. In that game, Giddey nearly posted a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, while Powell (27 points) and James Harden (17 points) led five Clippers in double figures.
Giddey has finished in double figures in five of his past six matchups against the Clippers.
Playoff Implications Loom
With both teams jockeying for playoff positioning, Wednesday’s matchup is crucial. The Clippers aim to end their slump and hold onto their playoff spot, while the Bulls look to build momentum and secure their place in the play-in tournament.
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