Jamal Crawford/Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers figure to be involved in many terrific games this upcoming season. Here are five in particular to look for:

BIG GAMES
Oct. 30 – vs. Oklahoma City at Staples Center – The Thunder eliminated the Clippers in six games in last season’s Western Conference semifinals. A Game 5 comeback by OKC on its home court – partly because the atypical less-than-stellar play down the stretch by Chris Paul – makes this early matchup a gem.
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Oct. 31 – at Lakers at Staples Center – Just because the Lakers aren’t looked upon as a championship contender doesn’t mean this game isn’t a big deal. As the Clippers continue to progress, so does the rivalry. Don’t think the Clippers don’t remember being upset by the Lakers in the 2013-14 opener.
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Nov. 10 – vs. San Antonio at Staples Center – Going against the defending NBA champions is always going to be a marquee event. With the Spurs having played for the title the past two years – they lost to Miami the previous season – this game could tell the Clippers a lot about themselves.
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Dec. 25 – vs. Golden State at Staples Center – With the Clippers having eliminated the Warriors in a hotly contested first-round, seven-game playoff series this past season, this has become a bit of a California rivalry. It should make for a terrific Christmas Day show for fans and players alike.
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Jan. 16 – vs. Cleveland at Staples Center – With LeBron James back in Cleveland, the Cavaliers have been tabbed by several outlets as favorites to win their first NBA title. If Cleveland gets Kevin Love as expected, that would make this game even more tantalizing.