Meet the Opponent: New-Look LA Clippers Are Next Up for Streaking Magic

A lot about the Los Angeles Clippers is new this year – new uniforms, new logo, new arena ... and new expectations. The Orlando Magic, one of two teams with an NBA-best six-game winning streak, arrive in LA for the first of back-to-back game nights.

A general view as LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) on the Clippers logo at midcourt in the first half at Intuit Dome. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic put their NBA-best six-game winning streak on the line Wednesday night when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers in the new Intuit Dome. Tipoff is 10:30 p.m.

The Magic opened this three-game road trip on Monday with a 10-point win over the Phoenix Suns, holding their sixth consecutive opponent under 100 points. The win was just the second away from Orlando for the Magic, who are 9-6 and in third place in the Eastern Conference.

The 8-7 Clippers on Monday beat the Golden State Warriors 102-99 — LA's first win this season inside their new home.

Meet the Clippers

Key Returners

• Norman Powell: 23.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 49.0 FG%, 48.3 3PT%
• James Harden: 20.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 4.0 turnovers
• Ivica Zubac: 15.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 blocks
• Amir Coffey: 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds
• Terance Mann: 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists
• Kawhi Leonard: Yet to play this season due to injury

Key Additions

• Derrick Jones Jr. (free agency, from DAL): 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 44.2 3PT%
• Kevin Porter Jr. (free agency): 8.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists
• Kris Dunn (sign-and-trade): 7.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists

Key Departures

• Paul George (free agency, to PHL): 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.4 steals
• Russell Westbrook (free agency, to DEN): 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists
• Daniel Theis (free agency, to NOP): 3.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists

About the Clippers

Gameday Injury News

• Norman Powell: OUT (left hamstring strain)
• Kawhi Leonard: OUT (right knee injury recovery)

MORE: Magic-Clippers Injury Report: – Who's in, who's out for Orlando and LA Wednesday night?

Notable Numbers

• 15th in net rating (22nd offense, 7th defense)
• 18th eFG% (53.5)
• 9th FTA rate (.267)
• 29th TOV% (17.0)
• 2nd opp. OREB% (26.2)
• 8th pts off TO (18.8)
• 26th opp. pts of TO (20.6)

When the Clippers opened the league's latest and greatest arena this summer, they unveiled a new look to the franchise as well. In separating themselves once and for all from the crosstown Lakers, his the Clippers made their break with a splash.

New branding – logo, altered color scheme, uniform set, court design, etc. You name it, it's changed from previous iterations of the Clippers. The same can be said about their on-court product, which was likely a less-desired development this summer.

Perennial All-Star Paul George is gone. Fellow All-Star Kawhi Leonard, while not gone, isn't playing due to knee issues that have become all too familiar during his Clippers career. Which has left James Harden as the lone active star of a big dream trio that amounted to minimal postseason success in previous seasons.

That's not to say the Clippers are bad, just different. Powell is their leading scorer, but he'll be inactive Wednesday with a hamstring strain. Ivica Zubac and offseason acquisition Derrick Jones Jr. have been solid for the Clippers when called upon, and their responsibility likely increases versus Orlando.

Clippers coach Ty Lue is doing his best job to navigate the transitional period and his team sits above .500 in a stacked Western Conference. All things considered, it could be worse.

The Magic have an opportunity to extend the season's longest winning streak, which they share with the Lakers, Orlando's opponent on Thursday night.

Related Stories on the Orlando Magic

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• MAGIC-CLIPS INJURY REPORT: The latest on player health and status entering Wednesday night's Orlando Magic-Los Angeles Clippers game. CLICK HERE
• CARTER JR. RETURNS TO PRACTICE: According to Magic team reporter Dan Savage, the 25-year-old center participated partially in the team's practice ahead of tomorrow's game versus the LA Clippers. CLICK HERE
• COLUMN: WAGNER WORTH EVERY PENNY: The Orlando Magic met equal parts praise and skepticism when they gave Franz Wagner a $224-million max rookie extension. Fifteen games into the season, Wagner's on an All-Star trajectory. CLICK HERE
• COULD BANCHERO RETURN BY CHRISTMAS?: Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero told ESPN's Marc Spears that he feels he could be back by Christmas from a torn right oblique muscle. CLICK HERE
• FRANZ WAGNER NAMED EAST POTW: Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner became the 14th player in franchise history to be named the conference’s Player of the Week. CLICK HERE
• CAN MAGIC CARRY HOME SUCCESS WEST?: The Orlando Magic are 7-0 at home and 1-6 on the road. How do they change that? "You have to find a way, Jamahl Mosley said. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC'S 2024-25 SCHEDULE: See the complete slate for the Orlando Magic in 2024-25 and all the details – dates, locations, TV, tip times, and more – that you need to know. CLICK HERE

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