The LA Clippers are set to take part in their preseason home opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and some younger guards will get a chance to shine.
On Sunday, the LA Clippers put forth a total team effort in their victory over the NBL’s Sydney Kings. All but three active players scored at least once, and seven players scored in double figures.
The offensive attack was led by Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari, who combined for 39 points and 10 assists and shot a combined 14 of 27 from the floor. Newly acquired center Marcin Gortat chipped in another 12 points and grabbed four offensive rebounds as well.
On the other hand, the defensive attack was fronted by an expected few. Patrick Beverley, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Avery Bradley and Luc Mbah a Moute recorded 10 of the team’s 15 total steals, and limited the Sydney bench to just 27 points.
One thing that LA Clippers fans were hoping to see was the progression of last year’s younger players, as well as some meaningful minutes from each of their new rookies. And while Gilgeous-Alexander logged nearly 24 minutes on the floor, Jerome Robinson and Tyrone Wallace managed roughly three minutes in total.
Head Coach Doc Rivers deployed what could be his standard rotations for the upcoming season against the Kings. However, in tonight’s matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he’ll be shining a light on the team’s younger assets.
According to the LA Times’ Andrew Greif, Rivers has named Gilgeous-Alexander, Robinson, Wallace, and Sindarius Thornwell as players that will receive more minutes in Wednesday’s contest. In accordance, Lou Williams and “another veteran” are expected to rest to make room for their younger counterparts.
Greif also noted that Milos Teodosic will likely sit out of tonight’s game as well, a precautionary measure due to an injured hamstring.
One name that fans have been quick to point out as missing from Rivers’ list is Jawun Evans, who some expect to be released before the season begins.
Evans’ potential to be released isn’t necessarily because of his performance. In fact, when used as a starter last season, Evans logged a plus-minus rating of 5.5, nearly five points higher than his rating when used as a reserve.
Rather, Evans is expected to be released because of the logjam in the LA Clippers backcourt. After selecting two guards in the 2018 NBA Draft and devoting roughly $20 million to Bradley, Wallace, and Teodosic this summer, it seems Evans is the odd man out.
However, there are still a few more preseason games following tonight’s meeting with the Timberwolves, and Evans could remain on the roster barring any sort of injury above him.
Fans might want to keep an eye on Johnathan Motley and Angel Delgado as well. The team’s only two-way players hardly logged any minutes against Sydney, and could see more significant minutes versus Minnesota.
The LA Clippers will tip-off with the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 7:30 PM PST on NBA TV.