When the Los Angeles Clippers acquired Kawhi Leonard and Paul George before the 2019-20 season, they anticipated this duo would elevate the team to an NBA championship. Unfortunately, injuries to both players dashed those aspirations, leaving the Clippers disheartened. This season, they brought in James Harden to keep the team afloat in case one of their key players got injured. Though his start in LA was less than stellar, the Clippers have since found their stride in the league. They were on a five-game winning streak until the Lakers rained on their parade with a narrow 106-103 loss.

Therefore, following the loss to crosstown rivals, the Clippers will be hoping to bounce back with a win when they meet the Phoenix Suns tonight. This will be their second encounter this season, following the Clippers’ earlier 131-122 victory over the Suns. They would hope to maintain the upper hand by securing a win tonight. Considering this is a back-to-back situation for both teams, there is a possibility one of the key players might opt for rest, particularly Kawhi Leonard, who has seen considerable action this season.

Kawhi Leonard is expected to play against the Suns

The Klaw is looking the healthiest he has been in a while. He has not played more than 60 games in any season since 2016–17. However, this season, he has only sat out four games due to a hip injury incurred following a collision with Grant Williams in their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on December 20. He returned to the lineup on Jan. 1 against the Miami Heat. As per the latest injury report, Leonard is expected to play tonight since he is not on the list. However, watch out for any game-time updates.

Only Moussa Diabate is ruled out due to a right-hand metacarpal fracture. The Clippers are looking much better since Russell Westbrook volunteered to come off the bench. Consequently, the Clippers are expected to go with their usual starting lineup featuring James Harden, Terance Mann, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac.

On the other side of the court, the Suns are monitoring four players on the injury report. Eric Gordon (knee), Nassir Little (knee), Bol Bol (ankle), and Damion Lee (knee) are all sidelined for the matchup against the Clippers. Therefore, the Suns are expected to start the game with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic.

The Suns’ Big 3 is falling short of expectations

The 2023–24 season hasn’t unfolded as planned for the Phoenix Suns. Despite acquiring Bradley Beal to pair with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant in the offseason, a string of injuries to their star players has hindered the team’s ability to find its rhythm. This was glaringly evident in their recent defeat against the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies, who managed to secure a 121-115 victory despite missing their star guard, Ja Morant. Even with their trio of All-Stars on the court, the Suns couldn’t overcome the Grizzlies.

Read More: Clippers HC Justifies Baffling Kawhi Leonard Decision as Lakers End Losing Streak: “That’s On Me”

Despite having their Big 3 healthy tonight, the Suns face a tall task against the Clippers. In the last 17 games, the Clippers have only recorded three losses and have climbed to the fourth position in the West. The Suns, on the other hand, have struggled to find their groove, currently standing at a 3-2 record with their Big Three on the floor together. Can the Suns manage to turn around their season now that all three of their stars are healthy? Will chemistry issues continue to impact their performance? Let us know in the comments!

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