Los Angeles Clippers aim to continue upward trend against Golden State Warriors

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Kawhi Leonard, in action during the 146-115 NBA win against the Boston Celtics on Jan 3, has starred for the Los Angeles Clippers during their recent upturn of fortunes.

PHOTO: IMAGN IMAGES

LOS ANGELES – Two teams trending upward despite a recent shellacking go head-to-head on Jan 5 (Jan 6, Singapore time) when the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Warriors have won six of eight, and the Clippers six of seven, as both continue their uphill climb toward the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns at the top of the Pacific Division.

Golden State rebounded from a 37-point pounding at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan 2 and a second-quarter ejection of Draymond Green against Utah to brush aside the Jazz 123-114 on Jan 3.

The trip to Los Angeles will send the Warriors to their only road game in a stretch of 10 out of 11 at home. The team have not won more than three in a row all season, but coach Steve Kerr told the media after the Jan 3 win that the “spirit’s good” and credited someone extensively who never left the bench against the Jazz.

“Buddy Hield didn’t play tonight, but his energy on the bench, his just communication with players, staying engaged. Buddy was incredible,” Kerr said after the veteran’s fourth healthy scratch in the team’s last eight games, following playing in 199 in a row.

“Draymond said it a few weeks ago, Buddy