Last season, the LA Clippers faced the Miami Heat twice, and they concluded the season series with two wins. NBA superstars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were healthy in both contests and dominated against a franchise known for its defensive prowess.
On January 1st, Leonard recorded one of his best two-way showings with 24 points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals, and one block. This was a crucial performance as the Clippers were stacking momentum in the Western Conference.
As far as playmaking, Harden did what he was asked by Lue and dropped ten assists with an efficient 15 points. Several of his passes were allocated to sixth man Norman Powell, who scored 22 points in 33 minutes.
In their final match on February 4th, 2024, the Clippers pulled away an eight-point victory behind the superstar spirits of Leonard and Harden. The former MVP stamped 21 points, 11 assists, and eight boards, handing the rest to the two-time champion, who ended with 25 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Moreover, Miami travels to Intuit Dome on Monday to fight for their first win over LA since 2023.
This matchup will be held despite the chaotic wildfires in Los Angeles. However, the Clippers could continue to encounter mental difficulties, as several players worry for the lives affected by the unfortunate disasters.
Two-way forward Nicolas Batum was recently asked about his thoughts prior to the loss in Denver. He stated, “My mind was not really on the game. I think I dropped my phone 3 minutes before the game just to make sure it was okay. And I checked at halftime.”
Nicolas Batum on the night of the Denver game knowing the fires were creeping towards his house:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 12, 2025
“The game in Denver was weird. The whole day. I was on my phone with my family all day. I didn't sleep that night [before]. We don't know what's going on, if the fire is going to go… pic.twitter.com/924Nnlso7x
Additionally, Leonard’s game status was downgraded in Denver, as his family was involved in the fires.
Is Kawhi Leonard playing against the Miami Heat?
Tomer Azarly, an NBA writer for ClutchPoints, reported Sunday evening that Kawhi Leonard is not listed on the LA Clippers’ injury report versus the Miami Heat. This will mark his third game of the season, as Leonard’s first two were played against the Hawks and Timberwolves.
Kawhi Leonard is not listed on the Clippers injury report and expected to be available tomorrow vs. the Heat.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 13, 2025
James Harden and the rest of the team should be good to go.
Full injury report for the Clippers vs Heat
Like the LA Clippers’ previous 37 games, forward P.J. Tucker is ruled out as the front office searches for his next destination. In addition, Tyronn Lue will miss Kobe Brown, Cam Christie, Trentyn Flowers, and Kai Jones due to G-League designation.
The Heat will be without Jimmy Butler (suspension) and Dru Smith (left-achilles surgery). Guard Josh Richardson is doubtful with right-heel inflammation, and center Bam Adebayo is available following a lower-back contusion.