Clippers vs Celtics: Injuries, Expected Starting-5, Predictions, and More as Kawhi Leonard Faces Jayson Tatum Availability

Fans are in for a treat, as the Boston Celtics face off against the in-form Los Angeles Clippers later tonight. Both the teams sit near the top of the Western Conference standings. The upcoming match is poised to be a classic festive encounter, with both teams entering the game with the anticipation of securing a victory.

However, both the Celtics and the Clippers face the prospect of starting the game without their star players. The fans of both teams face an anxious wait, as Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum’s availability remains uncertain for tonight’s game.

Clippers vs Celtics: Predicted Lineups and Injuries

The game between the Clippers and the Celtics is scheduled to tip off by 3:30 PM, Eastern Time at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Both the teams have started the season in fine form. Currently, the Clippers occupy the 5th seed in the Western Conference, having won 17 games and losing another 11. Whereas, the Celtics currently occupy the 1st spot in the Eastern Conference, with 21 wins and just 6 losses.

The Celtics have been one of the standout teams of the season, so far. However, they could miss the services of two key players going into the game against the Clippers. The Celtics have listed Jayson Tatum as questionable because of an ankle injury he suffered against the Warriors. Kristaps Porziņģis also remains sidelined due to a left ankle sprain. The Clippers could also miss the services of Kawhi Leonard, as the Clippers have listed him as questionable due to left hip contusion. Mason Plumlee (knee) and Moussa Diabate (hip) remain sidelined for tonight’s game.

The Clippers could start the game with James Harden, Terence Mann, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac. Even with the absence of some key players, the Celtics still possess a formidable team. They could start the game with Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser and Al Horford.

Clippers vs Celtics: Predictions

This match-up between two title challengers could be one for the ages. Even the bookmakers in Vegas are having trouble deciding the favorite. According to FanDuel’s Sportsbook, the Clippers are 1 favorites to win the game. The moneyline odds indicate that the Celtics go into the game as a slight underdog with -102, meaning a bet of $102 would yield a $100 profit if they win. On the other hand, the Clippers are favored with -116, requiring a bet of $116 to win $100 in profit if they emerge victorious.

Read More: Having Failed to Woo A’ja Wilson, Mikal Bridges Divulges His Dating Life: “Think I Surprise People”

Despite the bookmakers favoring the Clippers, the Celtics could easily outplay them. However, the Celtics will sorely miss Kristaps Porziņģis, who provides exceptional rim protection and spacing. In a fiercely competitive game with huge implications, the Clippers might secure a close win over a formidable but depleted Celtics side.

Watch this Story: Watch LeBron James Sets Up Lakers 7ft Recruit With an Audacious Lob as Anthony Davis Witnesses From the Bench