The Lakers and Clippers have moved into the top 10 of the NBA power rankings and are beginning to look like true contenders.

Now look down the court tonight. The Los Angeles Clippers are on pace to go 52-29-1 ATS this season, which would be the best mark since at least 2017-18 if not for two teams exceeding that pace this season, the Grizzlies and the Cavs with the Thunder also matching the Clippers.

At issue was a brutal second half in which the Timberwolves were outscored 49-40 by the zombie Hawks, who were missing Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Bogdan Bogdanović. The Wolves still needed to play Rudy Gobert 38 minutes, Anthony Edwards 35 and Mike Conley 31 to ensure they finished off the Hawks.

Kessler is the headliner of this deal and he could easily provide the Lakers with strong production right away. The big man is one of the best defensive centers in the entire league and could give this team a legitimate running mate next to star Anthony Davis.

The Los Angeles Clippers could salvage the years they have left with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden at their helm by adding a third star from the Phoenix Suns to their team this winter.

The Los Angeles Clippers look like they want to make upgrades to their roster, most notably in the frontcourt.

Boston’s starting five is finding cohesion, and its defense stifled Golden State. The Celtics’ ability to stay consistent will be tested against the Clippers, who sit fifth in the Western Conference standings and sport a 15-7 record at the Intuit Dome.

Charlotte and Los Angeles face off in non-conference action. The teams meet Friday for the first time this season.

The Phoenix Suns (24-21) play the final of their homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves (25-21) on Wednesday.

The Phoenix Suns (24-21) play the final of their homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves (25-21) on Wednesday.

It's been seven seasons since the San Antonio Spurs traded away Kawhi Leonard after the debacle that was his last two seasons with the franchise, and while most fans have moved on, anytime he has to face off against his old team, emotions run high.

Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell had 27 points each and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-116 on Wednesday night.