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LA Clippers: 3 Things to Watch For Vs. Brooklyn Nets

By Seth Kimbrell

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 02: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets greets Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers after the game at Barclays Center on February 02, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 124-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 02: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets greets Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers after the game at Barclays Center on February 02, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 124-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers celebrates is basket off of a Clipper free throw, with Paul George #13 and Marcus Morris Sr. #8, to end the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on January 17, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers celebrates is basket off of a Clipper free throw, with Paul George #13 and Marcus Morris Sr. #8, to end the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on January 17, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE /

LA Clippers vs. Brooklyn Nets Factor #2: What do the minutes look like?

The LA Clippers might have their full roster available, but they’re certainly not back to 100%. A team is never going to get to full strength the first game back from multiple stars missing injuries, and Ty Lue agreed in post game after the win against the Jazz, saying of Kawhi and PG:

"“Rusty. I thought they were pretty rusty. Handling the basketball, timing. You know, that’s always going to happen when you sit out.”"

Paul George was especially feeling the 7 game absence, as he only played 27 minutes against Utah and referenced not feeling like his conditioning was all the way back. Kawhi Leonard was a bit more ready, especially since he has missed less time.

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My eye is going to be on how those minutes look against Brooklyn. If PG is still limited to under 30 minutes, there might be some uncomfortable minutes where Kawhi is the only solid positive perimeter defender on the court, and then that whole defense-by-committee thing goes out the window.

Against the Nets, the LA Clippers need to be at full strength to keep up with that offense. If Paul George has to sit more than usual, then the starting lineup will need to be even more ready to go since they’ll have less time to match up with the Nets.

The other question is, if George does have to sit more than we’d like, who takes those minute? Of course we’ll see a lot of Lou Williams, but is he going to take up all those extra minutes? If not, is it Reggie or Mann? Or is it the guy who’s the subject of the next question…?

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