The Clippers will be happy where they stand, more so given their 8-2 record in the last 10 games. And to boost the confidence, it is against the Brooklyn Nets. Reason? The last time the LA Clippers faced the Brooklyn Nets, they won by 59 points! A young Nets team sans D’Angelo Russell was outscored, out-rebounded, and completely outplayed by the then-fit and firing Clippers team. Kawhi Leonard finished that game with 23 points, while Harden had a cool 21 and 11 assists in a game that resembled an exhibition. But the big role now is, can they recreate the same as questions rise over James Harden and Cos. desperation?

Since then, not much has changed for both teams. The Clippers are still fighting to be in the upper crest of the Western Conference, and need a few wins to traverse the traffic around them. The Nets have continued a dismal downfall that now sees them 13th in the East, with no hope for the Playoffs. But they will surely not slip out easily or early against the in-form LA side. 

And once again, the script threatens to repeat itself. The LA Clippers have few injury concerns. Their injury report includes guard Jordan Miller, who has been ruled out for Friday’s game again due to a hamstring injury. But the Clippers have managed to keep their act together despite Miller missing six games before this, due to the

same left hamstring issue. While Miller’s absence slightly affects depth, the Clippers remain in relatively strong shape compared to the Nets, who are dealing with absentees.  

Image Credits: ImagnBut the worry of the Nets seems to be far from over. With a long list of probable injuries, the HC has a tough task to reorganize the team against the 6th-seed Clippers. Noah Clowney is listed as probable with a wrist issue, while Trendon Watford and Ziaire Williams are questionable due to illness. Day’Ron Sharpe, suffering from a knee injury, has been ruled out, adding to the Nets’ frontcourt struggles. Additionally, Cam Thomas is set to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season with a left hamstring injury.

In such a scenario, the Nets take on a test that they have given before and failed. Harden and Leonard combined for 56 points in their last game against the New York Knicks. The Clippers come into this game in need of wins to kickstart their final leg of the regular season, and the Nets might seem like ideal prey.

LA Clippers’ depth chart

In the absence of any major injury concerns, the LA Clippers will have their best side. Both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are expected to play against the Nets. Despite Harden tweaking his foot in a recent game, he showed no signs of slowing down, scoring 29 points against the Knicks.

Position	Starter	Second
PG	James Harden	Kris Dunn
SG	Kris Dunn
SF	Kawhi Leonard	Derrick Jones Jr.
PF	Bogdan Bogdanovic	Kobe Brown
C	Ivica Zubac	Ben Simmons

All signs point towards an easy win, with the Nets heading into this one of a dismal 116-86 showing against the Raptors.

Brooklyn Nets’ depth chart

The Brooklyn Nets will be shorthanded with six players on the injury report, including season-ending injuries to De’Anthony Melton and Cameron Thomas. 

Position	Starter	Second
PG	D’Angelo Russell	Keon Johnson
SG	Keon Johnson	Jalen Wilson
SF	Cameron Johnson	Jalen Wilson
PF	Tosan Evbuomwan
C	Nic Claxton	–

But it might be too early to rule out the Nets, as in the game of basketball, you never know who pulls out the magic. The Warriors went to Miami with overconfidence, but the pressure to prove ruined Jimmy’s plans as they fell to a weak Heat. The Clippers are aware of the dynamics, but the Nets know what needs to be done. The game will tip off at 12:30 PM ET on Friday at the Barclays Center. Stay tuned!