The Clippers are in need of some consistency. Sometimes they look like they got what it takes to be outside contenders for their first ever championship, while other times they look like they’d get demolished by 5 random dudes masquerading as a basketball team. It’s no surprise their inconsistency lines up with the absence of Kawhi Leonard in the lineup. They still sit 6th in the West, prepping themselves to clash against the Chicago Bulls, who sit 10th in the East eyeing their own playoff qualification.

After winning three games on the trot against the Jazz (x2) and the Grizzlies, they looked primed to keep their playoff qualification position with a firm grip. But after losing the last three games vs the Bucks, Pacers, and Pistons, it seems like they’ve just restored balance to the world. What does their injury situation look like ahead of a crucial clash against the Bulls?

Clippers injury report and predicted lineup

It’s no surprise that Kawhi Leonard’s availability drastically changes the Clippers’ season outcome. The Klaw has been a menace to teams when fully fit, averaging 20 points and 6.3 rebounds per game over his career while shooting with an approx. 50 FG%. But injuries haven’t been kind to him this season, having played only 16 games due to an inflammation in his right knee sustained at the end of the previous regular season. You can make that 17 for the season, as he’s expected to play against the Bulls tonight.

The Lob City’s loss vs the Bucks a few days ago saw SG Norman Powell clutch his knee in pain on the Fiserv Forum hardwood. He landed awkwardly on his left knee in an attempt to contest a layup, much to the dismay of the traveling Clippers fans. He had to be taken off the court mid-game. Turns out he suffered a Grade 1 sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which renders him unavailable for the Bulls game.

According to ESPN, Trentyn Flowers is the only other absentee from the Clippers lineup for the clash at the United Center. But the absence of Norman Powell will require some rotations for Lob City. That being said, this is their predicted lineup for the Bulls game:

Norman Powell’s period on the sidelines couldn’t come at a worse time for the Clippers. With Kawhi Leonard starting to come into the lineup more often, they’ll need their star men to turn up in order for them to qualify for the playoffs. They lost their last match against the Bulls 112-99, do you think the same fate awaits them later tonight?