Heat at Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have achieved the best 50-game start in franchise history and they look to add another victory when they host the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Streaking Los Angeles will be looking for its 11th win in the past 14 games when it faces the Heat, who are beginning a stretch of six straight road games.
The Clippers own the second-best record in the Western Conference behind the Los Angeles Lakers as they take aim at the franchise record of 57 wins set during the 2013-14 season. Star forward Kawhi Leonard had 22 points in Monday's 108-105 win over the San Antonio Spurs to end his streak of consecutive 30-point games at nine, two shy of the club mark set by Lloyd Free (1979-80) during the club's San Diego era. Miami won seven of its past 10 games and delivered a 137-106 pounding of the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. The Heat scored a franchise-record 81 points in the second half while finishing with a 3-1 series mark against Philadelphia.
TIME: 10 p.m. ET. TV: FS Sun, Prime Ticket, TSN5
ABOUT THE HEAT (34-15): Swingman Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 38 points on 14-of-20 shooting against Philadelphia and he says the significant part of the season is looming. "Every day after the (All-Star) break it gets more and more important," Butler said in a postgame television interview. "These guys know they got to study the game and they know they have to continue to work at the game and take care of their bodies. We've got a good group." Point guard Goran Dragic tallied 24 points for his third 20-point outing in the past five games.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (35-15): Forward Paul George is feeling better after a recent absence due to a hamstring injury and recorded 19 points and a season-high 12 rebounds along with eight assists against the Spurs. George said he is finding his rhythm and he also said the manner in which Los Angeles wins isn't important. "It was great that we were able to pick this win up," George said after the close win over San Antonio. "That's what it's about. We don't care if it is a blowout or a close one. We need to learn how to do both."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Leonard scored 33 points as the Clippers recorded a 122-117 road win over the Heat on Jan. 24.
2. Miami reserve SG Tyler Herro (foot) departed Monday's game and is questionable to play against the Clippers.
3. Los Angeles G Lou Williams was just 3-of-12 shooting against the Spurs and is a porous 36-of-115 (31.3 percent) over the past seven games.