While the Clippers are reaping the benefits of Kawhi Leonard’s return, they have a strong challenge in front of them. They take on the Milwaukee Bucks tonight. Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co. have had a hot and cold run this season, they seem to have found a hot streak this time. Riding on a five-game winning streak, the Bucks look to maximize it.
On the other hand, the Clippers have just saved themselves from an embarrassment. After losing two straight games against the Bulls and Celts, they collected a win against the Wizards. The victory may have improved the team’s morale in the locker room, but the unit has to work harder to retain it.
Facing the Bucks, the Clippers will need more than just hard work. A healthy roster. Does the LA side have a healthy roster to take on the Wisconsin side? Fortunately, yes. The team hasn’t listed any of its star players on the report as both James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are available for the game.
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However, the team does have three players listed on the injury report. Here is the list:
- Jordan Miller (Illness) – Questionable
- Kris Dunn (Knee) – Out
- P.J Tucker (Not part of the team anymore)
James Harden & C0.: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
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The Clippers have been a surprise package throughout this season. Heading into the fresh season, the team lost one of its stars, Paul George. Moreover, the team wasn’t sure of Kawhi Leonard’s return, as the star had to recover from a nagging knee injury. So, everything was left on James Harden‘s shoulder. The superstar seemed to have responded to the situation well. He not only orchestrated the game well but also improved offensive efforts, scoring 21.6 ppg compared to 16.6 ppg from last season.
STARTING LINEUP | SECOND UNIT | THIRD UNIT | |
PG | James Harden | Terrence Mann | Kevin Porter Jr. |
SG | Norman Powell | – | – |
SF | Kawhi Leonard | Amir Coffey | – |
PF | Derrick Jones Jr. | Nicholas Batum | Kobe Brown |
C | Ivica Zubac | Mo Bamba | Kai Jones |
Moreover, James was provided with a talented bunch of role players. Norman Powell has come alive at the right time, averaging 23.7 ppg this season. Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac has also improved his offensive bag near the paint.
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Speaking of Zubac’s growth, Anthony Davis said, “He’s worked on his post-game, get into that jump hook. He has always been a good screener, good roller… offensive rebounder, good rim protector… He’s developed his post-game where they throw it to him and he’s finishing with his right hook. So, you know, he’s added that to his arsenal.” Not to forget, even Bron spoke highly of Zubac after suffering a defeat at the Intuit Dome. And, not but not least, Kawhi Leonard has eventually found himself back on the team.
While he is yet to catch fire, he has half a more season to find his form and help the Clippers at the Playoffs. Nevertheless, focusing on tonight’s game, the Clippers will need everything in the right place to clinically defeat the Bucks with their perfect roster. Who do you think will win tonight? Let us know in the comments below.
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Debate
Can Kawhi Leonard and James Harden lead the Clippers to victory against the surging Bucks tonight?
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Can Kawhi Leonard and James Harden lead the Clippers to victory against the surging Bucks tonight?
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