Kawhi Leonard (C) was one of the big movers in the off-season (Image credit: Getty)
The Los Angeles Clippers have started the season pretty much how they were expected to.
The addition of Kawhi Leonard to an already decent side has elevated them to championship contenders while they are yet to see Paul George in action due to an injury.
The Clippers are 2-0 after defeating the LA Lakers on their opening night. They also dismantled the injury-stricken Golden State Warriors in their last game.
Their next tie is against the Phoenix Suns who are 1-1 after Deandre Ayton was suspended for the use of diuretics.
They beat the Sacramento Kings but then lost to the Denver Nuggets in overtime. This should be a slam dunk for the Clippers, but the Suns could throw up a surprise.
The destruction of the Warriors is enough proof for the Clippers to already be in contention for the finals.
Leonard should get more load management later in the season once George returns from his injury. The Clippers have a great all-around team under Doc Rivers, but they have to be wary of the Suns.
Without Ayton, the Suns did well against the Nuggets but the Clippers are a totally different animal to face.
Dream 11 requires players from both sides to feature in the line-up and the right mix can lead to a great points haul.
Normally, two points guards are the right way to go but this time around, three is the magic number.
Patrick Beverly didn’t get a lot of points against the Warriors but he had a decent enough game picking up important rebounds and assists.
Ricky Rubio isn’t known for high scoring games but was close to a triple-double in the previous clash for the Suns, and should be part of the side.
The third option is Jevon Carter, who came off the bench and did a good job against the Nuggets.
Lou Williams doesn’t start for the Clippers but he is the best sixth man in the NBA.
The other player chosen for this position is Devin Booker, who racked up 18 points and dished out seve assists in the loss to the Nuggets.
Leonard was the star against the Warriors and is the only one selected for this position.
Patrick Patterson racked up 20 points for the Clippers in the win over the Warriors and is the power forward for this game.
Ivica Zubac is the only center for this clash and he would want to record a double-double after achieving that feat against the Warriors.
Williams could have been chosen but it is difficult to say not to Leonard as the star player.
The Clippers should be far too good for the Ayton-less Suns, and this could be a huge win for Rivers’ side.
Selections, fantasy tips and predictions are based on historical data related to the team. It is advisable to conduct additional research close to the game for more accurate team news and player availability.
Several factors were taken to build this team, however, individuals should have their own ideas for player selection as this piece only provides some guidelines.
Image credits: Getty, AFP, Bongarts, (Dream 11 for team line-up)