Injury Update Clippers
Throughout the 82-game season, nothing is guaranteed — especially when it comes to the health of LA Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard.
Earlier today, Clippers beat writer Joey Linn reported on X that Leonard will be available to play tonight versus the Denver Nuggets. This is excellent news after Leonard was listed as questionable yesterday with a left knee contusion. The Clippers have been arguably the best team in the NBA as of late, winning 16 of their last 19 games.
Here are some takeaways from this
The Clippers can take advantage of the Nuggets’ inactive players. The Clippers have been riddled with injuries, with guys in and out all season.
Currently, four players for the Clippers are ruled out: Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee sprain), Bogdan Bogdanovic (left hamstring management), Bradley Beal (hip surgery), and Chris Paul (away from the team).
Jones Jr. and Bogdanovic are the only inactive players who have been part of the Clippers’ rotation for a majority of this season.
On the other hand, for the Nuggets, it’s a different story. Before yesterday’s game versus the Brooklyn Nets, they had key players listed out: Nikola Jokic (leg), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Christian Braun (left knee/ankle sprain), and Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise). Recently, Jokic was updated to “ready,” but he will be on a heavy minutes restriction after missing the last 17 games.
Since 2019-2020, the Nuggets have been a team that has gotten the best of the Clippers, winning 15 of the last 23 games. With Leonard available tonight, that adds another weapon for the shorthanded Nuggets to deal with.
Kawhi Leonard keeps his rhythm by continuing to play
When it comes to basketball, there is such a thing as getting rusty or out of sync. Missing games opens up the possibility of a player getting winded quicker than others — which is highly possible in Denver — or missing simpler shots that they usually would make. These are elements that can impact rhythm.
The Clippers have won 16 of their last 19 games, and the primary reason has been Leonard’s play. In the last 19 games, Leonard is averaging 29.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.8 apg, and 2.3 spg, with shooting splits of 50/40/92. Statistically, this has been Leonard’s best year as a Clipper while playing 33 of 46 games. These numbers have come with Leonard playing consistently, not sitting out.
Unless Leonard is dealing with an actual injury, the Clippers will need his contributions down the line, especially given that they are still in the 10th seed.
Conclusion
For much of the season, Leonard has been a top 5–10 player in the NBA. The Clippers have another chance to keep their momentum going in the Mile High City.
