The upcoming basketball match between the LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers has tremendous implications for both teams. This game may ultimately determine which team is relegate to the play-in tournament and which one proceeds to the playoffs outright. There is some good news for the Clippers: their top player, Kawhi Leonard, is expected to play and has been listed as available. However, the Clippers’ injury report has confirmed that Paul George will be absent due to a knee sprain, which will likely keep him out of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have yet to provide an injury report for their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and will do so only after a reassessment tomorrow morning. Although both players are expect to participate in the crucial match, it is worth noting that they will be playing back-to-back games, including an overtime game on the road. Additionally, the Lakers will be playing their fourth game in just six nights.
Kawhi Leonard’s recent performance has been impressive, with an average of 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.8 steals over the last eight games, all while shooting 52/41/86. However, his numbers against the Lakers have been lower, but this may be due to his still adjusting to playing again after a major injury. In the two games he played against the Lakers, he averaged 19.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals on 60/12/67 shooting.
Given the absence of Paul George on the court, Kawhi Leonard will have to step up and score at least 30 points in the game against the Lakers if the Clippers hope to win. Nothing less than a victory is acceptable, and the players must leave everything they have on the court.
