The LA Clippers are gearing up for a big showdown against the LA Lakers, but the real question is: Will they be at full strength? Injuries have been a thorn in their side lately, and the biggest concern has been Norman Powell. Now, Clippers fans finally have an update from team reporter Joey Linn. It may not be the perfect news they were hoping for, but it’s something.

Powell has been stuck on the sidelines for five straight games with a knee injury. That’s a huge blow, considering the 31-year-old has been on fire this season, averaging 24.2 points while shooting a stellar 49.6 percent from the field. But here’s the silver lining—his status on the injury report has been upgraded.

“Norman Powell has been upgraded to probable for tomorrow’s game against the Lakers. Derrick Jones Jr. is out with a right groin strain. Everyone else is available for the Clippers,” Linn shared on X.

So, there’s a good chance Norman Powell will be back in action, but the Clippers’ problems aren’t over just yet. While his return would be a massive boost, the absence of Derrick Jones Jr. is another hit. Jones Jr. has been a key contributor this season, playing 57 games and averaging 10.4 points and 3.5 rebounds off the bench.

And here’s the kicker—this will be the first game Jones Jr. misses due to his groin strain. The Clippers have already lost four of their last five games without Powell, so his possible return couldn’t come at a better time. With Jones Jr. out, the pressure is even higher for the Clippers to make this one count.

The only relief for the team is that the Lakers themselves are plagued with injury concerns as of now.

Lakers’ struggles with injuries: from LeBron James to Luka Doncic

Lakers fans, brace yourselves—Sunday’s rematch against the Clippers comes with a worrying injury report. After weeks of relatively clean pre-game updates, the Lakers suddenly find themselves dealing with six injured players. Yes, six! The list includes LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jordan Goodwin, and Maxi Kleber.

LeBron and Luka are questionable, managing foot and calf injuries, respectively. Both have played four games in just seven days, including a tough back-to-back on Friday. Meanwhile, Reaves, who barely lasted nine minutes on Friday due to calf soreness, had an MRI that came back negative. That’s a relief, but he’s still listed as doubtful.

And then there’s Hachimura’s left knee injury, suffered against the Timberwolves, which is keeping him out week-to-week. And as for Goodwin, he’s dealing with a right ankle sprain and is also doubtful. The Lakers’ depth is being tested once again. The good news: their rivals, the Clippers, are also facing somewhat of a similar issue.

Now it’s to be seen which team can counter the setbacks the best and emerge on the top.