Clippers gear up to play Toronto

After giving a huge effort in a loss Wednesday to the two-time defending NBA champion Miami Heat, the Clippers have to gear up to face the Toronto Raptors on Friday night at Staples Center.

The Clippers will have to find the energy again to face a Raptors team that is the surprising leader of the Atlantic Division, with a 26-23 record.

The Clippers have won four out of the last five games the two teams have played, but they just got by the Raptors in Toronto three weeks ago, escaping Terrence Ross’ 51-point game.

Though the Clippers had their seven-game home winning streak snapped by the Heat, they are 20-4 at home this season.

The Clippers’ Chris Paul (separated right shoulder) had hoped to play against the Raptors on Friday, but Coach Doc Rivers said the all-star point guard wouldn’t be in the lineup until Sunday when the Philadelphia 76ers come to Staples Center.

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broderick.turner@latimes.com

Twitter: @BA_Turner