Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers Prediction: Combined starting 5 featuring Jayson Tatum and Kawhi Leonard

Forward - Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers)

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard is the best player on the LA Clippers, and he is playing at a tremendous level right now. Leonard has even put his name in the discussion for the 2020-21 NBA MVP due to his solid display of skills and consistency.

Leonard leads the LA Clippers in points per game with a 26.2 average, and he is shooting efficiently.

If his shooting trend continues, Leonard will join the 50/40/90 club, as he is currently displaying 51/40/91 shooting splits in 19 appearances.

Leonard is third in the league in Offensive Win Shares, fourth in Box Plus/Minus, second in Win Shares, and third in Player Efficiency Rating.

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Forward - Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics.

The Boston Celtics' young core has a young leader. Jayson Tatum has evolved as almost everyone expected after his rookie season and is now an NBA superstar.

After his breakout 2019-20 NBA season, when he averaged 23 points and seven rebounds per game, Tatum is now averaging 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists on a nightly basis for Brad Stevens' Boston Celtics.

Moreover, Tatum is showing a good shooting form, as he has made 47% of his field goals and 41% of his shots from deep. The 22-year-old is playing at an extraordinary level so far and has scored at least 20 points in 14 of his 15 appearances.

Tatum leads the Boston Celtics in points per game and also has the best Defensive Rating on the roster.

Last season, Tatum had a tremendous game against the LA Clippers on February 13th, 2020, scoring 39 points in a double-OT win.

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Center - Serge Ibaka (LA Clippers)

Serge Ibaka #9 of the LA Clippers.

Serge Ibaka's signing for the LA Clippers in NBA Free Agency was a good one for LAC. Though Ibaka is not a superstar, his championship experience, the chemistry with Kawhi Leonard (they won a title together for the Toronto Raptors), and his efficiency form a good package for Tyronn Lue's team.

Ibaka is giving the LA Clippers 12 points and six rebounds in less than 25 minutes of action per game. Also, he protects the rim effectively and is averaging one block per game.

Ibaka's shooting is a good factor for LAC too. He has a 52% field-goal percentage, 41% 3P percentage, and a superb 83% from the free-throw line.

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