Clippers vs Suns. LA vs Phoenix. 6th vs 8th. If you need something to do on your Monday evening, what better than watching a hotly contested clash between two playoff contenders who fit the bill? Both teams are fresh off back-to-back victories as well; all that’s missing is a fresh brew to complement the war that’s about to take place on your screens tonight. The Clippers need James Harden and Kawhi Leonard to bring their A game, so let’s address the elephant in the room- are they fit enough to play?
Leonard has had a persisting right knee inflammation for as long as anyone can remember. The Klaw has been instrumental for the Clippers. But he’s barely played a game since he indefinitely got sidelined during the tail-end of the regular season last year.
Kawhi’s season debut came on Jan 5th (after missing the first 34 games) in a win against the Atlanta Hawks, and it’s no coincidence that they’re 6-1 in his presence already!
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James Harden himself has been having a solid season. With 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, he’s already surpassed last season’s stats. But The Beard missed their clash against the Celtics on Jan 23rd because of groin soreness.
Although this didn’t sideline him for too long, his absence was felt in their 4-point loss to the Boston-based team. In typical Harden fashion, he did what he does best- comeback with a 40-point masterclass against the Bucks.
Clippers fans- your prayers have been answered (honestly, long overdue). Their absence from the injury report means both Leonard and Harden are likely to feature in this all-important clash against the Suns. But Ryan Dunn is set to miss the game after he left the arena early on Saturday and was spotted in crutches. It was later classified as an ankle issue. Despite that, you can probably go ahead and cancel that appointment you made with your therapist, sit back, and watch the dynamic Clips duo bring the heat to the hardwood!
Clippers vs Suns- vital game for both teams
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Anyone who’s been watching sports for decades can attest to the fact that sometimes watching Louis Litts fight tooth and nail for his life is more entertaining than watching Harvey Specter win every challenge that comes his way. Trust me when I say that the jury duty drama show is nothing compared to catching this NBA game—you don’t want to miss it!
Both teams come into this fixture in red-hot form. Kevin Durant’s Suns have burnt through 7 of their last 10 opponents, while the Clippers have trimmed the egos of 7 of their last 11 competitors. Both teams have a bone to pick with each other- they’ve already met twice this season, with the Suns besting the Californian team both times, 116-113 and 125-119.
One would think that a 3-0 swoop in the same season would be because of a ridiculous ‘availability’ disparity between the two teams, not between two teams nearly locking horns with each other for a playoff spot.
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The Clippers need Kawhi Leonard and James Harden locked in during this bull-fight. Per their last 10 games, the Suns aren’t ones to be underestimated. But Lob City has shown- when the going gets tough, they don’t mind getting their hands dirty to secure the dub.
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Debate
Can Kawhi and Harden finally break the Suns' winning streak, or will Phoenix dominate again?
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Can Kawhi and Harden finally break the Suns' winning streak, or will Phoenix dominate again?
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