Entering their Monday matchup, the visiting Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat have been two of the biggest surprises in the league through the first month-plus of the season.

The Heat, nearly 10 months removed from the trade that shipped Jimmy Butler to Golden State, have been among the biggest overachievers relative to expectations, establishing themselves as one of the toughest teams to play in the Eastern Conference.

On the other hand, perhaps no team has underperformed through its first 20 games more than the Clippers. With James Harden and Kawhi Leonard leading the roster, L.A. was once again expected to be heavy contenders in the West.

Instead, the Clippers have dealt with injuries and inconsistencies and come into Monday's tilt with the Heat having won just five of their first

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