A 17-point loss in Houston on Saturday left Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro fuming at his team.
Tonight when the they face Central Division leader Indiana at Staples Center (Prime Ticket), the Clippers will have to show Del Negro and themselves they have the will to close out the season with the urgency required to take into the postseason.
“One thing we’ve got to get better at is the consistency factor, what to expect and what it takes to win and understand the urgency it takes at this time of the season with everybody desperate in survival mode for as high a seed as possible,” Del Negro said before tip-off.
The Clippers (49-25), perhaps destined for another first-round playoff series with Memphis, will again be without guard Chauncey Billups, who is now dealing with a strained groin. Forward Matt Barnes (sprained ankle) will try to give it a go after being injured in Houston.
Willie Green is back in the starting lineup at guard.