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Win Tickets to See the Clippers Home Opener at Staples Center

By Eric Richardson
Published: Monday, October 26, 2009, at 02:51PM

Eric Richardson [Flickr]

Los Angeles Clippers' top draft pick Blake Griffin has lived up to his hype during the preseason, averaging 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Clippers play their home opener on Wednesday night, October 28, but the game against the Phoenix Suns is actually their second inside Staples Center. The team opens its season the night before as visitors of the Lakers.

That little bit of confusion is a small price to pay for the teams' shared home, which they've now occupied for ten years. We've got two pairs of tickets for blogdowntown readers interested in cheering on Downtown's "other" NBA team in their first official home night.

The new season is a promising one for the Clippers. The team went 5-2 in the preseason, and rookie Blake Griffin has shown the potential that made him a top draft pick. Griffin is second on the team in scoring (13.7 points) and tops in rebounds (8.1) during the preseason.

If the team can stay away from the injuries that plagued it last season, it seems poised to make a run at the playoffs.

Want to be there for Wednesday's game? Just leave a comment with your prediction for the upcoming season. Make sure to include contact info via Facebook or email. Contest closes Tuesday at 6pm. Tickets will be picked up at Will Call.

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Conversation

Royce Hsu on October 26, 2009, at 02:59PM – #1

im confident the clips will make the playoffs this season!!

Guest 1

Lauren on October 26, 2009, at 03:03PM – #2

The Clippers are going to rock this season! It's going to be a great game. :)

Guest 2

bp on October 26, 2009, at 03:09PM – #3

Eric, Please make sure I DO NOT WIN this contest, Clippers sucks! It a lowlife team and it's fun base sucks too.

I don't want to win, no no no

Matthew Cox on October 26, 2009, at 03:11PM – #4

I've lived downtown for 7 years and never been inside the staples center. And if I'm not busy seeing Alice Cooper that night, then I definitely need to be at the Clippers games instead.

Guest 3

Hilary on October 26, 2009, at 03:17PM – #5

Looks like Griffin is a natural fit with the Clippers, and I think it will pay off for them.

Guest 4

LaTanya on October 26, 2009, at 03:40PM – #6

Clips are going to do great this year. I saw them last year against LeBron James & the Cleveland Cavaliers - they totally ruled that game but fell apart at the end. I'd love to see them win their home opener at home against the Suns!!

Guest 5

Janie on October 26, 2009, at 03:43PM – #7

I think of the Clippers as LA's working-class team--very much needed in a place like LA. They made it all the way to the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2005-2006 season and I predict they will go even further this season. I am behind them all the way, GO CLIPPERS!!

Guest 6

Brian on October 26, 2009, at 04:40PM – #8

Thanks for always finding a way to provide these giveaways.

Have yet to attend a game here in LA and would love this to be our first.

Thanks.

Guest 7

Christy on October 26, 2009, at 04:57PM – #9

the Clips are going to show strong this season and do this longtime fan proud!

Andrew Tseng on October 26, 2009, at 04:57PM – #10

Everyone's commenting that they think the Clippers will do well this season, trying to show that they are fans. I will show that I'm a true fan of the Clippers if I win these tickets by starting "FIRE DUNLEAVY" chants throughout the game.

The Clips are good on paper again, but will stumble through the season as long as they're led by arguably the worst coach in the NBA, who only remains employed via the cheapness of Donald Sterling.

In fact, if I get these tickets, I'll make a sign that says: Fire Sterling & duNleavy to try to get FSN to show it.

Guest 8

Joseph J on October 26, 2009, at 05:07PM – #11

The Clips have a talented, young group of guys so this season should be really fun to watch.

Guest 9

LG on October 26, 2009, at 05:13PM – #12

I root for the Clippers because I'm a fan of the underdog and there are too many damn Lakers fans in this town. This year, I see playoffs in our future - Go Clips!

FISH on October 26, 2009, at 05:15PM – #13

The Clippers always get treated like LA's stepchild when they don't do well. I think it's great having two LA teams, especially since I live a couple of blocks from Staples. It's always nice to catch the Clips play big opponents that would be normally be too expensive or sold out against the Lakers. You can get great seats for less money. If preseason is any indication of the 2009-2010 season, it looks like the Clippers will be pretty decent this year. Go Clips!

Guest 10

BKL on October 26, 2009, at 05:27PM – #14

I used to go see the Clippers in the Sports Arena. I think they might make the playoffs, but only if an under .500 record will be good enough. That's not likely in the Western Conference.

Guest 11

Johnny on October 26, 2009, at 05:31PM – #15

I think they'll make the playoffs. Never been to a game in the Staples center. Would love to be at this game.

Guest 12

Shawn on October 26, 2009, at 05:37PM – #16

My girlfriend and I had one of our first dates at a Clippers game last season. I'd like to show her that they won't make children weep this season.

Yes, please?

Guest 13

oranjelo on October 26, 2009, at 05:38PM – #17

With the #1 overall pick and Gordon the Clips will have a hopeful looking season but then Davis will get his first injury, Kaman will not reach 05-06 status and of course Dunleavy continue his streak of "genius coaching".... so now would be the best time to see them Amare vs. Blake definitely a good test to see how the rookie is ready for the big time

Guest 14

Johnny Lee on October 26, 2009, at 05:40PM – #18

I think the Clips will make it an exciting race for the 8th spot but just fall short :)

Jason Ames on October 26, 2009, at 05:46PM – #19

The Clippers will play well for part of the season until one of their key players (I'm predicting Blake Griffin) goes down with a season ending injury and they finish in 10th place in the West. They then end up with the 8th pick in the NBA draft and blow it on some unknown international player.

Alan Mar on October 26, 2009, at 05:52PM – #20

Clips will have a winning season, but fall short of the playoffs. Gordon and Griffin will play each other in the Rookie/Sophmore All Star Game.

Guest 15

Sean on October 26, 2009, at 05:59PM – #21

This year things in Clipperland seem a little different. Blake Griffin has brought with him a new attitude that has seemed to change the whole squad. I wish all the players the best of health this season so that we can make a deep run into the postseason.

Guest 16

Eddie on October 26, 2009, at 06:03PM – #22

I think they'll definitely have a shot at the playoffs.. . I say 48 wins.

Elliot Sharron on October 26, 2009, at 07:03PM – #23

The Clippers will go 45-37 and just miss the playoffs. Blake Griffin will be rookie of the year.

Guest 17

Mari on October 26, 2009, at 07:10PM – #24

Griffin is def going to help take the Clippers to another level this year. They might even make the playoffs. Would be so awesome to see both LA teams in the playoffs this year. I've never been to a Clip game...maybe that changes soon? Pretty please :)

Guest 18

D on October 26, 2009, at 07:53PM – #25

I am a Huge Lakers fan, however, i follow the Clippers as well and if they are healthy, this is a very good team. I think 48 and 34 is about right for this team and a playoff appearance. they will be the 7th seeded team in the west, and play the Lakers in the second round.

Guest 19

Tornadoes28 on October 26, 2009, at 08:15PM – #26

Now why the heck would anyone want to go see the Clips. But I guess if it's free I would.

The Clippers will be better this season but they still won't make the playoffs. The West is just too tough.

Guest 20

Mia on October 26, 2009, at 08:31PM – #27

The Clippers are so awesome!! And, I'm totally thrilled by the rookie, Griffin. I hope his knee feels better, because I want to watch him play. I'm very excited about the upcoming season. I think it's going to be a strong one. I want to see them in the playoffs against the Lakers!! That would be such a BLAST!!!

Guest 21

ScottB on October 26, 2009, at 08:34PM – #28

Let's hope Blake can turn the Clips into a winning team. I'm tired about hearing Lakers this and Lakers that. It's someone else's chance to shine. Sit down Kobe.

Guest 22

Jamison Ng on October 26, 2009, at 09:42PM – #29

I think the Clippers will at least make the 8th seed in the playoffs. This could set up a potential Lakers/Clippers Round 1 playoff. I just really hope Blake Griffin and Baron Davis don't get plagued by injuries this season. I would love to attend the season opener against the woeful Suns. Thanks.

Guest 23

General Jeff on October 26, 2009, at 10:32PM – #30

Personally, I take this game really serious. I was born and raised in South Central L.A. and remember when the Clippers moved here from San Diego. I'm big on the Clippers. I went to the same high school as several of their players over the years( Crenshaw High School) such as Marques Johnson, John Williams and Tremaine Fowlkes. And I grew up two blocks from another guy that played for the Clippers last season, Jason Hart (who for some ungodly reason went to Westchester High) :-)

I truly do think the Clippers have a great shot at a deep run in the playoffs. It basically comes down to whether or not they can play together as one unit and whether or not their key players stay healthy all season long.

Either way, I'd still love to see them. They will make the playoffs and obviously Blake Griffin will be the rookie of the year.

Ed Fuentes on October 27, 2009, at 12:14AM – #31

Jason may have jinxed the Clippers. Number one pick Blake Griffin out for 6 weeks for a stress fracture in left kneecap. General Jeff..suit up!

Guest 24

VANCEF on October 27, 2009, at 08:17AM – #32

We really need to have the Clippers come up. They have the potential to be as good as the Lakers (well almost as good). Good luck, Clippers!!

Guest 25

Jose T on October 27, 2009, at 09:34AM – #33

The Clippers have a playoff team on paper, but as always they need to avoid injuries to key people, and with Blake already slated to miss some weeks to start the season, is not a good sign. But if they can win their home games they might have a chance to get at the 8th spot.

Guest 26

Emerson on October 27, 2009, at 10:42AM – #34

I'm a fan. Like a lot of writers in LA, I got into them for the cheaper tickets and eventually found them much more interesting than the Hollywood Lakers.

But I have to agree with Jose. When the Clippers look best on paper, they often find creative ways of blowing the playoffs. They're the NBA's answer to the Cubs. I'll pull for them anyroad.

Don Goldberg on October 27, 2009, at 12:06PM – #35

Basketball season predictions:

Clippers make the playoffs, led by Griffin. Lose to Lakers 4-1 in the first round. Lakers go on to repeat as champions with Artest rivaling Kobe as most productive player.

Coaching predictions. Mike Dunleavey leaves the Clippers in January after a losing streak and some player dissension. Phil Jackson announces his retirement at the end of 2009-2010 season. Crystal ball does not reveal the replacement for either coach.

Guest 27

mary on October 27, 2009, at 12:42PM – #36

i lived in downtown for 6 years and went to one basketball game. i think the clippers have it this year and my boyfriend has been a fan for a long time so it'd be great to win tickets!

Guest 28

Shaan on October 27, 2009, at 01:47PM – #37

The clippers are going to prove everyone wrong this season, and be the surprise of the Western Conference.. Blake Griffin's energy will rub off on the rest of the team, and they will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs..