Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers can get back on the winning track if they can play better defense and come up with a good offensive showing against the Miami Heat on Jan. 2. David Berding/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • The Clippers are favorites to pull off a win over the Heat in their matchup
  • Jimmy Butler has been listed as questionable for the Heat against the Clippers
  • The Clippers need to improve their defense in the middle and come up with a good scoring night

The Los Angeles Clippers will host the Miami Heat on Monday, January 2 at the Crypto.com Arena, hoping to end their two-game losing streak.

The Clippers are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Indiana Pacers, 130-131, despite the 45-point effort of Paul George.

Kawhi Leonard also chipped in 24 points and seven assists in that matchup.

However, a big problem that George himself pointed out is that they are not doing a good job on defense and forcing players to the baseline.

He rued how they are giving up too many middle drives, something that they cannot afford against the Heat.

This is even though the Clips hold the sixth-best defensive rating at 110.8. Hence, this is an area that they may address when they face the Heat.

Ironically, Los Angeles is tied with Miami for a fifth-worth offensive rating in the league with 111.1.

But the Heat could see that dip a bit if Jimmy Butler does not play.

The 33-year-old NBA star did not see action against the Utah Jazz, a game Miami won thanks to the heroics of Tyler Herro who finished with a game-high 29 points to go with nine boards.

Bam Adebayo led the way for the South Beach squad with 32 points and eight rebounds.

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Butler is listed as questionable against the Clippers.

Aside from six-time All-Star, Caleb Martin and Udonis Haslem are also unsure to suit up for Miami.

Moreover, Dewayne Dedmon (foot) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) are still nursing their injuries.

On the other end, the Clippers may be without the services of Nicolas Batum due to an ankle injury.

It may all boil down to the Clippers hitting their stride offensively.

Los Angeles is averaging 126.5 points in their last four games and connecting from outside may give them an edge–apart from addressing their defensive lapses which George was pointing out earlier.

The Clippers hold a -4.5 spread, while the Heat is at +4.5.

The game can be watched at 10:40 PM ET via ClipperVision, Bally Sports SoCal and fubo TV.

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler is listed as questionable against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, Jan. 2. Andy Lyons/Getty Images
NBA Basketball