Details: When: Wednesday, November 2 Where: Key Arena, Seattle Time (Seattle): 7:00 TV: Fox Sports, League Pass Projected Starters: <font color="green">Seattle (0-0)</font> Luke Ridnour Ray Allen Rashard Lewis Reggie Evans Johan Petro <font color="Red">LA Clippers (0-0)</font> Sam Cassell Cuttino Mobley Quinton Ross Elton Brand Chris Kaman Injury Troubles: <font color="green">Seattle</font> Vitaly Potapenko - Sore left hamstring (doubtful) Robert Swift - Sore left hip (doubtful) Clinton "Mikki" Moore - Sore left knee (probable) Danny Fortson - Sore left toe (probable) Rick Brunson - Plantar facisitisis (probable) <font color="red">LA Clippers</font> Corey Maggette - Shaun Livingston - Inactive List: <font color="green">Seattle</font> Robert Swift Mateen Cleaves Vitaly Potapenko <font color="red">LA Clippers</font> Corey Maggette Shawn Livingston Brief Notes: <ul> [*]The Sonics will begin the 2005-2006 the same way it began the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 season -- against the Los Angeles Clippers. This game unlike the past two season openers will be at the Key Arena. Last season they were crushed 114-84 in the season opener and went on to win 17 of their next 19 games. [*]This game marks the debut of both Bob Weiss as the head coach and rookie Johan Petro at center. Weiss succeeds long time Sonic Nate McMillan who now coaches down I-5 for the Portland Trail Blazers and Petro succeeds Big Game James (Jerome James) who now is the starting center for the New York Knicks. [*]Former Clippers Rick Brunson and Clinton "Mikki" Moore also make their Sonic debuts tonight. The Clippers will be without swingman Corey Maggette and will most likely give Quinton Ross the start. They will also be missing Shawn Livingston. <div align="center">Random Kenny "The Jet" Smith Quote: <div align="left"> For all those who thought that the Steve Nash shouldn't have been the MVP last season, Steve Nash will be able to silence all of his criticisms after he is able to lead the Suns to the playoffs without Amare Stoudamire. All predictions, analysis and discussion relating directly to the game, both before, during and after, to be posted in this thread. </div> </div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Elton Brand Watch: Still a great player on a horrible team going nowhere.</div> The Clippers aren't horrible right now, 16-16 with all the injuries the team has had is definately not horrible, if we're talking history, yes, but right now the Clippers are a pretty decent team, and when healthy they could win 40 or more. The Sonics will very likely take this one, the Clipper just don't have any man power right now, I mean Rick Brunson is the starting PG. Maggette should have a good game, and Simmons should be able to get it going against Rashard, but apart from Brand, Maggette and Simmons, their won't be too much action. Rick Brunson has been doing a good job in his passing, so he should rakc up some dimes in the game. If the Clippers are able to get the offense together and move the ball, and play good defense, they can make it close.
Well after this schedule the Clippers may be considered horrible @ Seattle Seattle Miami @ Sacramento Sacramento @ San Antonio @ Dallas Ouch
is rashard injured right now? im watching a live update of the game on the web, and it shows shard had only 5 mins of play...whats the deal? he was only 0-3 and then he got taken off the floor...is he just benched or injured?
At least we got a W. Recap said that Lewis got some kind of injury, but can anyone comment how serious it is?
And once again, it's Vlad off the bench providing the spark with 18. Great win after being down after three too, at least we didn't let down after such a big win over the Heat. Luke's shooting is really a concern, but he's racking up the dimes.
Rashard is questionable tonight with a deep thigh bruise (didn't Flip miss 20+ games with the same??) re: the game, I was impressed with the Clippers - I'm starting to think they're the type of team that matches up well with the Sonics, and that while the 30pt margin on opening night may have been a fluke, the win may not have been. The Sonics couldn't keep them out of the lane, whether it was Magette or Simmons slashing to the hoop or E. Brand being a monster. Plus they kept lots of balls alive on the offensive glass. Fortunately, Radmanovic hit some huge 3's and Allen took over the game in the 4th. Also, Brunson played the best game I've ever seen him play in his journeyman career so hopefully that won't repeat tonight.
