Click here to Watch Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Clippers Live

                         

Without any doubts, the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers both underachieved in last year’s NBA campaign. Hoping for a better year and a post-season appearance, Amar’e Stoudemire and the Suns will travel to California to face the Clippers on Thursday at 2:30 a.m. GMT at Staples Center.

It was no secret that Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver ran into financial trouble during the economic crisis and was looking to cut expenses. However, unlike many had predicted, Phoenix solely shipped out Shaquille O’Neal in exchange for expiring contracts and decided to keep Amar’e Stoudemire. Moreover, the franchise from Arizona opted to resign veteran point guard Steve Nash. Last year, former All-Star Nash averaged 15.7 points, 9.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds per contest. Similarly, GM Steve Kerr signed Grant Hill to a contract extension that will keep him another two years in Phoenix. With Shaq out of the picture, the Suns will certainly be looking to play more fastbreak again and are hoping to make it back to the post-season in 2009-10.

The Clippers on the other hand only made it to the playoffs once in the past twelve years and are under significant pressure to avoid spending another season at the bottom of the Western Conference. Fortunately, the franchise has a nice group of talented players that could push the team over the top provided they blend well together. A potent front-court consisting of Blake Griffin, Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman, as well as Baron Davis in the back court, might be able to make some noise in the competitive Western Conference this year.

Considering how stacked the Clippers are at the center and power forward position, there could be problems for the Suns in terms of 1-on-1 match-ups. More specifically, Phoenix is still trying to figure out who their starting center might be, but neither Channig Frye nor Robin Lopez are anywhere near the level of the Clippers’ front-court players. Alternatively, coach Alvin Gentry could play Amar’e Stoudemire at the five, like in 2007-08. Even though Amare Stoudemire is tough to guard at the offensive end of the floor he would also be a defensive liability. That said, it looks like the game between the Suns and Clippers will be a hard-fought battle that could stay close all the way to the fourth quarter.

You can watch all games of the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers right here on www.watchlivenba.com, the home of NBA live streaming.