Will Kawhi Leonard & Chris Paul Play Tonight? LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Game 4: Prediction, Injuries and Lineups

Thursday night at the Staples Center confirmed that “Suns in four” was out of the window in WCF. The Clippers, as they did against the Mavericks and the Jazz, bounced back after a 0-2 deficit. A huge credit for that must go towards their champion coach Tyronn Lue, who keeps the optimism to come back from 0-3 if need be.

With no Kawhi Leonard for the last five games, coach Tyronn has done a tremendous job at switching the lineup and making strategic moves. But with Chris Paul back in the Suns squad, can the Clippers make it even in Game 4?

Clippers vs Suns: Injury updates and lineup predictions

For the Clippers, the news is not good. Kawhi Leonard (knee injury) is sure to miss Game 4, and there is no sign of his comeback anytime soon.

Plus, they also have Marcus Morris (left knee) as a day-to-day decision. Even in Game 3, Terance Mann started the proceedings because Marcus’ playing status came late and he had to start off the bench. Apart from the two, Serge Ibaka (back surgery) is already out for the season.

Probable starting five – Paul George (F), Terence Mann (F), Ivica Zubac (C), Reggie Jackson (G), and Patrick Beverley (G)

For the Suns, the sky was clear in Game 3, but they have a problem now. Cameron Payne (ankle) is a game-time decision as per their updated injury list.

Potential starting lineup – Jae Crowder (F), Mikal Bridges (F), De’Andre Ayton (C), Devin Booker (G), and Chris Paul (G)

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Who wins?

After marginally managing to win Game 2, the Suns went for a disaster in Game 3. Devin Booker, in his transparent face-protector, struggled to score as if his peripheral vision was a hindrance. Plus, Cameron Payne clocking just four minutes and Dario Saric adding just two points further weakened their rotational offense. 

The Clippers, on the other hand, stayed hot in front of their home crowd with two huge double-doubles from Paul George and Ivica Zubac. With some visible verbal back-and-forth between PG and CP3, the match remained a live wire game. It was a great day for the Clippers’ defense that had taken a hit after Kawhi’s loss. 

Now, in Game 4, the Clippers would want two things; One, they’d want to limit Chris Paul’s scoring, and two, they’d not want Rajon Rondo to go 0-0-0 again. If they’re able to do that, we predict a victory for the Clippers and a 2-2 tie.

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