As the LA Clippers have covered nearly half of the regular season, fans can quickly take away their successes on both sides of the ball. They have won several games but fall short against top-tier contenders like Boston and Oklahoma City.
Conversely, these losses are justifiable as head coach Tyronn Lue has been without his best player, Kawhi Leonard. This puts more pressure on the coaching staff to win games, as the Clippers are in a tight financial situation without the draft capital to acquire another co-star.
Additionally, the Clippers have also been without the former second-round pick, Terance Mann, since the beginning of December. Although he has performed under the bar this season, Mann brings a strong wave of energy the active rotation could use in close games.
Moreover, with the latest updates provided to Clipper fans, the long-awaited return of Leonard and Mann may finally be over. This is critical for Lue and his squad, as they could turn their season around with motivation to reach the NBA Finals.
With the return of Kawhi Leonard and Terance Mann, the LA Clippers will reclaim their spot as one of the best teams in the NBA.
Without Kawhi Leonard and Terance Mann, the LA Clippers’ longest win streak thus far has been five games. Though this is still impressive, fans have been hoping for one that can beat last season’s record of nine.
Clippers fans may finally have their wishes fulfilled, as Shams Charania, a senior NBA insider for ESPN, reported on Leonard making his return against the Atlanta Hawks. Given the amount of time he has missed, this is excellent news.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard plans to make his season debut Saturday versus the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome, sources tell ESPN. Clippers upgraded Leonard to questionable tonight. pic.twitter.com/RbFHSyL8w1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 4, 2025
Just hours before Leonard's nearing, sources updated fans on Mann’s fractured finger. He is fully healed and ready to make his return with the two-time champion against Atlanta.
Terance Mann (finger) not on injury report for Saturday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) January 4, 2025
In addition, former MVP James Harden will also re-enter the lineup after suffering groin soreness in the loss to Oklahoma City.
The Clippers, at 19-15, need a mid-season spark through their key players. The seventh seed is not the place to be, as the chances of advancing to the postseason are at risk through the play-in tournament.
That said, Tyronn Lue should patiently work with Leonard and Mann on the sidelines. They will make crucial contributions the Clippers will need to achieve their goals months down the line. The long game is a priority, as additional injuries would decrease their odds of winning in a talented Western Conference.