Banged-up Clippers lose first preseason game, to Nuggets

[insidehoops]

Good luck using NBA preseason games as a definitive window into a team's future. Gleaning truth from these halfhearted affairs is a task for the foolhardy.

But for the Clippers, Saturday's game against Denver at Mandalay Bay here offered even fewer absolutes, as both Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups were sidelined.

There were a few certainties, though, in the Clippers' first competitive game — a 106-104 loss, before a crowd of 6,748 — since a postseason run to the second round this summer.

For example, this was the first NBA game on Sin City's famed Strip since 1981, when the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Lakers, 115-110, at the Aladdin Theatre.

That aside, Eric Bledsoe appeared plenty capable at the starting point guard position should the need arise, which it has with Paul (right thumb) out of commission.

-- LA Times

[T-Low]

It's only preseason.....Once at full strength, it's scary to see how this team will play!

[mariodeathgrip]

Odom nearing back to his old status!! Way better d and reb rusty shooting!! Then he's quitting his bad out side shooting good for the clips!!

Solid back up point guard!!

Clips have a better team!!