LA Clippers-Magic: Austin Rivers probable, Luc Mbah a Moute doubtful

By Fansided and Tom West/FanSided via Clipperholics
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For the LA Clippers’ Wednesday night matchup against the Orlando Magic, Luc Mbah a Moute is doubtful and Austin Rivers is probable.

The LA Clippers are looking to reach a three-game win streak on Wednesday night as they take on the Magic in Orlando. It’s the first contest of a three-game road trip that will feature the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards next, which should give Clippers’ fans some encouragement that they have a favorable schedule to get a bit of a hot spell going again. At first, though, they won’t be doing it at full strength.

As Rowan Kavner of Clippers.com has reported ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Magic, Luc Mbah a Moute is doubtful due to a right AC sprain and Austin Rivers is probable.

Following Saturday’s 133-105 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, Rivers is yet to return after leaving the game early due to a concussion. He’s put together some better performances as of late, scoring 14 and 18 points in his last two games, respectively.

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    If he’s out against the Magic, it’ll be Raymond Felton stepping up in his place, seeing an uptick from the 17.3 minutes a night he’s averaged so far as a solid two-way backup for the Clippers.

    With Luc only listed as doubtful, though, the Clippers may be forced to play without the stellar, versatile defense he’s provided all season. They can get by without him, and will most likely look to Wesley Johnson to start in his place to handle the hyper athletic, 6’9″ forward that is Aaron Gordon, but Luc’s defense will still be missed.

    Thankfully, the Magic lack shooting, have a plethora of big men in their clogged frontcourt instead, and rank a woeful 29th in offensive efficiency.

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    This should be a fairly easy win for the LA Clippers if they keep their focus and intensity up. Injuries aside, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul have been playing tremendously (bar Blake’s collapse against the Golden State Warriors) and the Clippers are vastly superior to the Magic all around. The biggest trouble maker will be the interior defense and rim protection from the duo of Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo.