Clippers Injury Update: Star Scorer Still in Crutches Vs Hawks After Heartbreak in New Orleans

The Los Angeles Clippers are hours away from hosting the Atlanta Hawks. They enter the game losing a crucial game to the New Orleans Pelicans, facing adversity during the closing stretch of the season. Lucky for them, the Hawks enter the matchup as the 10th seed in the east, and on a 3-game losing streak. Moreover, along with playing on the road, they will also play undermanned in the game.

Regardless, the Clippers have struggles of their own. They are currently dealing with a left-hand fracture in Russell Westbrook, who is declared out of the contest. With that, Norman Powell, who brings ecstatic energy to the roster, was seen using crutches and suffering from the knee contusion endured in the previous game.

Powell tweaked his left leg against the Friday’s game vs. Pelicans. Apart from bringing intensity from the bench, Powell has evolved to be a great key player for the Clippers lately, often being part of the starting and finishing lineup. Given the nature of the injury, the shooting guard was soon deemed out of the upcoming contest.

For the season, he averages 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston can be seen filling in the untouched minutes by Powell. He plays nearly 26 minutes per game for the Clippers per night. However, the LA team might have their orchestrator back on the court.

Is James Harden playing tonight vs Hawks?

James Harden will suit up for the Sunday night contest against the Atlanta Hawks. The lefty guard has been out for 2 consecutive contests in light of a shoulder injury. Harden was initially marked questionable for the game. However, as the game nears and Powell Powell out, Harden is simultaneously cleared fit to play.

Inducted to the Clippers roster during the November stretch of this season, Harden averages 17.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Moreover, logging in 1.1 steals per contest, he shoots 44.2% from the field and 40.3% from the three-point range

Additionally, the Clippers, through tumultuous trial and error, have deployed the majority of their offense around Harden. With that, and a decent rest for the guard in recent days, the Clippers hope to build on their successful season. Currently, they are seated at the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

The Clippers will enter the game with a 5-5 record over their previous 10 games. On the other hand, the Hawks have the same record over the last 10 matchups.

Read More: James Harden Bites the Bullet on Embarrassing Meltdown That Cost Clippers West’s No.1 Chance

Post-game, the Hawks will stay in the city to play the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Clippers will play their next game in Oregon.