The Lakers and Clippers are expected to resume their home campaign this Monday, after suffering disruptions due to the devastating fires that ravaged Los Angeles.
As the Rams prepare to face the Vikings in a wild-card game at State Farm Arena in Arizona tonight, Los Angeles basketball fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the NBA returns to its arenas after a series of matches postponed due to the current crisis.
The Lakers will host the Spurs at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, while the Clippers will face the Heat at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Recent postponements included the Lakers’ games against the Hornets, originally scheduled for Thursday, and a rematch against the Spurs on Saturday. The Clippers also had their game against Charlotte postponed on Saturday, with no updated dates announced by the league for those matchups.
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Before the wildfires wreaked havoc, both Los Angeles teams were preparing for prime time, planning for seven of their next eight games to be at home over the next two weeks. The Clippers’ only away game before Jan. 25 is scheduled for Portland, while the Lakers will only travel once to face the Clippers at their Intuit Dome.
In light of the tragic wildfires, which have claimed at least 24 lives and ravaged numerous structures, both franchises aim to boost community morale by bringing a little joy through their performances.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue expressed that sentiment after practice, saying, “Hopefully we can bring some joy back into the game this Monday.” On the other hand, Lakers coach JJ Redick, who suffered a personal loss as his home was consumed by flames, shared an emotional speech with reporters, saying, “We are determined to do everything what is in our power to support those who are going through this ordeal. difficult period. »
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Important clashes ahead: SEC and Big 12 clash in college sports
In a schedule update, the NBA confirmed that Wednesday’s matchup between the Lakers and Heat will be removed from ESPN’s coverage, making way for a matchup between Warriors and Timberwolves. NBA Today and NBA Countdown broadcasts were interrupted last Wednesday due to geographic constraints at the Los Angeles studio.
Meanwhile, at the Galen Center, just a few miles from Crypto.com Arena, the USC women’s basketball team took on Penn State in front of a crowd of more than 5,500 fans on Sunday. However, the Trojans’ next game against Northwestern was postponed after the Wildcats decided not to travel to Los Angeles. It also affected Northwestern’s scheduled game against UCLA at Pauley Pavilion, which was postponed.
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As for the men’s basketball teams at both schools, there have been no postponements to date. The Trojans host Iowa at home on Tuesday, while the Bruins follow suit on Friday.
Sharing the same Crypto.com Arena, the NHL Kings also face a postponement; their game against the Flames on January 8 was affected. Currently engaged in a five-game road series, the Kings are scheduled to return home on January 20.