Will Kawhi Leonard & James Harden Play Tonight vs Magic? Clippers Injury Report in Back-to-Back Games

The Clippers enter their second of the back-to-back as one of the league’s most in-form teams. Tell that to any Lob City fan a few months ago and they’d be pinching themselves. They’ve finally started playing to their potential, with Kawhi Leonard consistently back in the 5 and James Harden looking like his Rockets version.

They now sit 8th, just a game away from the automatic playoffs spots. But they face an unpredictable Orlando Magic side, who they’ve beaten in their last three head-to-heads. So, who does Ty Lue have in his bag for tonight’s game?

Clippers injury report ahead of Magic clash

Kawhi Leonard’s knee has been a thorn in his side for as long as he’s been in LA. He’s missed out on crucial playoff games for them due to managing that right knee. He even missed the first 34 games of the season, finally stepping onto the hardwood on January 4th in a 131-105 win over the Hawks. He sat out the the first of their back-to-back against Cleveland due to a right knee management. Due to this, he’s been listed on a day-to-day basis for the clash at the Kia Center tonight.

Coach Lue has opened up about the Klaw’s struggles with injuries earlier this season. “I’ve talked to Kawhi on nights where he’s almost crying just talking about how he let the team down. But you can’t do anything about the injuries.” It’s clear that they’re a fully different team when he’s in the 5 as their starting power forward. But he needs to start showing up when it matters more- starting from their all-important matchup against Orlando tonight.

Now onto James Harden. Fox News listed the Clippers’ best players over their last 20 games. Any surprise that the Beard tops that list? His 25.3/5.8/8.7 statline since their loss to the Bucks on February 21st is what’s kept them in contention for the playoffs right now. Well, lucky news for the Lob City faithful- James Harden is set to play tonight against the Magic.

Guard Amir Coffey has been a solid rotational option for the Clips HC. The 27-year-old’s numbers have gone up a notch this season, averaging 9.8 points while shooting 47.1% from the field. But in their loss to the Cavs on Sunday, he left the court after he played just four minutes before sustaining a left knee injury, not to return. The injury was diagnosed as a left knee soreness, which takes a few days to recover. Coffey has been listed as a day-to-day for tonight as a result.

Clippers predicted lineup against Magic

So, Leonard and Coffey are questionable. On top of that, youngster Jordan Miller has had a tough time dealing with his own hamstring injury that’s limited him to just 34 games this season. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at LA’s expected 5 in Orlando tonight:

With their current form in the league and against Orlando separately, it does seem likely for the Clippers to leave the Kia Center victorious tonight. But Kawhi Leonard’s unpredictable availability has left a lot of their hopes hanging in the balance. Do you think the Klaw-Beard linkup will grace Florida tonight?