The Los Angeles Clippers are beginning to take shape with health being restored. Kawhi Leonard has started to regularly participate in games. And his output is trending in the right direction. The law posted a strong showing against the Grizzlies, scoring 25 points, his second-highest mark in his season. However, the Clippers are still cautious about fully deploying Leonard. Furthermore, Ben Simmons is yet to make his debut.
With one last clash against the Uth Jazz before the All-Star weekend, will they be part of it?
Kawhi Leonard spent a long time on the sidelines due to a right knee inflammation. The Klaw stayed consistent and his belief has led him to play once again. But the Clippers aren’t willing to take many risks. Since it is a back-to-back, the franchise has opted to rest the six-time NBA All-Star against the Jazz.
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) talks during a post game interview after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
On the other hand, since securing a buyout with the Nets, Simmons has relayed one message. He is eager to play full-fledged basketball once again. “I have no health limitations right now and am ready to go,” the former number-one pick said during his press conference. As it appears, Simmons is still not in optimal conditioning to return to game shape. So he too is listed as when facing the Utah Jazz.
Clippers injury report
Aside from Leonard and Ben Simmons, the franchise has a few more players on their injury list. Notably, Kriss Dunn, the defense hawk is listed as day-to-day ahead of the second of the Clippers’ back-to-back game. He suffered an “unknown injury” towards the end of the matchup against the Grizzlies. He couldn’t finish the game.
Furthermore, backup center Drew Eubanks suffered a sprained ankle the last time the LA side took on Utah. He only played six minutes in that contest before leaving the floor. Although the latest update is not available, it’s likely that Eubanks will not play tonight against Utah owing to his ankle sprain.
The injuries have depleted Tyronn Lue of his usual rotation. However, the Clippers do have depth on their roster.
Clippers depth chart
The Clippers have managed to remain a top side in the Western Conference even with injuries looming all season. Notably, James Harden’s role as the floor general has unlocked a swift offense. The likes of Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac have stepped up when the Clippers have needed them to all season. Likewise. against the Jazz, Ty Lue might revert to those plans again.
Here’s what their depth chart looks like when taking on the Utah Jazz.
Starters
Second Unit
Third Unit
James Harden
Norman Powell
Patty Mills
Norman Powell
Kris Dunn (day to day)
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Amir Coffey
Derrick Jones Jr.
Amir Coffey
Nicolas Batum
Ivica Zubac
Nicolas Batum
Kobe Brown
in terms of firepower, the Los Angeles Clippers have enough to take down the Jazz. Although, without Dunn and Leonard, their defense could struggle a little against Utah’s explosive attacking arsenal. However, if the team executes well as they have most of the season, the Clippers should be the favorites going into this contest.
Do you think the Clippers can survive against the Jazz with a depleted roster? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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