On the small list of teams the LA Clippers tumble against is the Milwaukee Bucks, led by superstars Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Though it is often a great watch, the Bucks have consistently proven to succeed against head coach Tyronn Lue.
Last season, the Clippers lost their first of two to Milwaukee in early March behind an unusual performance from Kawhi Leonard. He was restricted to 16 points in 37 minutes, shooting 6-19 from the field and 2-8 from long range.
On the other hand, former MVP James Harden posted 29 points, eight assists, and five three-pointers. Though he played well, the Bucks overpowered the Clippers without Antetokounmpo.
Furthermore, Lillard scored 41 points in 42 minutes, coercing LA to lose despite having a healthier rotation.
In the same week, the two contenders met again, this time at Crypto.com Arena. The home-court advantage did not slow the Bucks down, as they won by seven.
As Leonard and others were absent, Harden was given the job of steering the wheel. He tried his best but did not play well on the second night of a back-to-back, finishing with 13 points, 11 assists, five turnovers, and a +/- of -13.
Antetokounmpo recorded 34 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, while Lillard stamped a similar stat line of 35 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds.
Moreover, the Clippers have not defeated the Bucks since April 1st, 2022.
Tonight at 7:30 PM(PT), the Bucks will tip off against the Clippers at Intuit Dome. Considering the recent history between the two franchises, this is a meaningful matchup.
However, the Clippers will win and spark a streak if they prevent Antetokounmpo and Lillard from controlling both sides of the ball. This is the key, as Lillard, in particular, deconstructed LA last season.
Are Kawhi Leonard and James Harden playing for the LA Clippers tonight?
Neither James Harden nor Kawhi Leonard are listed on the LA Clippers' latest injury report, making them available for action against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Full injury report for Clippers vs Bucks
Tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks, the LA Clippers will be short of P.J. Tucker(detached from team activities), Kris Dunn(left knee injury management), Trentyn Flowers(G-League), and Kai Jones(G-League). Jordan Miller(illness) is questionable.
Out for the Bucks are AJ Green(left quad strain), AJ Johnson(G-League), Chris Livingston(G-League), Liam Robbins(G-League), and Tyler Smith(G-League). Giannis Antetokounmpo(right patella tendinopathy) and Khris Middleton(ankle injury management) are probable.