Without Patrick Beverley or Lou Williams in the rotation, the LA Clippers could struggle to get production from their guards against Minnesota.
The LA Clippers have been rolling lately, winning 12 of their last 14 games to bring their overall record to 19-7, which is good for second in the Western Conference. They’ve been able to do so while sustaining several injuries and absences as well — only four of the team’s players have appeared in all 26 games so far this season.
Lou Williams is one such player, though his streak will be broken tonight.
Per the team, Williams will miss tonight’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of a sore right calf. Patrick Beverley will also miss the game after suffering a concussion against the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night.
That leaves the Clippers without two of their top four in average minutes played, and that’s only the half of it.
Landry Shamet will miss his 17th consecutive game due to a high ankle sprain, and JaMychal Green will be out again with a bruised tailbone.
Those four players account for close to 45 points per game, so the Clippers will need some guys to step up tonight.
Fortunately, Rodney McGruder is expected to make his return tonight, so LA will get a solid two-way guard back into the rotation.
That still leaves the Clippers in a tight spot, though. There’s no clear choice as to who should be the starting point guard or run the second unit, and LA’s backup guards haven’t been at their best lately.
Jerome Robinson has hit a massive cold streak in December, shooting 10-of-37 from the field and just 1-of-15 of his attempts from three-point range. He’s still seen about 16 minutes per game during that time though, and while that average has been brought down in the last few games, he could see an increase with both Beverley and Williams sidelined.
It would make more sense to see Terance Mann in the starting rotation than Robinson, for defensive purposes and his decision-making. Mann has also already drawn three starts this season, two of which came during Beverley’s previous absence. He’s not much of a shooter though, so Kawhi Leonard and Paul George could struggle from outside if either of them are double-teamed.
Derrick Walton Jr. has played particularly well lately, and he seems like the most logical choice to start tonight’s game. He’s been efficient when running the offense and has played well with the starters in limited minutes. He’s arguably the best defender of the bunch as well, though he gives up five inches to Mann and four to Robinson.
Regardless of what the Clippers decide to do, expect the game to be played through Leonard and George. Without a legitimate playmaker at point, we could be in for more iso-ball than we’ve seen so far.
The LA Clippers will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at 6:30 p.m. PST. The game will be aired on ESPN.