Against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight, the LA Clippers will fight to win their fourth in a row and fifth out of their last eight. This game has high implications, as a win puts the Clippers on the Timberwolves' rear bumper for the seventh seed, and a loss would keep an unwanted, thin gap with the Sacramento Kings.
Moreover, the Clippers' latest win was arguably the most meaningful of the season against the Kings. Rather than losing and dropping to the ninth seed, LA and their top superstars clutched up and secured success.
Former MVP James Hard went off, as he has been doing lately, and won the battle with big-time buckets after big-time buckets in his city. The float game was automatic, and Harden drilled a cold-blooded, highly contested, step-back three-pointer in overtime with the score tied to help strike Sacramento.
However, with head coach Tyronn Lue leaving the game due to back pain, assistant Brian Shaw took over and gave the ball to one of the most clutch players in NBA history. Though Shaw recognized Kawhi Leonard's struggles, he still trusted him to score in the last possession.
After drilling the basket to hand LA the game, Leonard ended with 17 points and four rebounds, shooting 7-19 in 40 minutes. Harden, who sent the game to overtime, posted 29 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in 44 minutes.
Conversely, the Pelicans' recent match was a three-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. New Orleans executed, with Trey Murphy soaring for 27 points, but they could not match stars Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, who each scored over 30.
Nonetheless, the Pelicans have previously surprised against the Clippers and should not be taken lightly.
Is Kawhi Leonard playing March 11th against the New Orleans Pelicans?
Kawhi Leonard's name is not listed on the NBA's official injury report, meaning he will be in action on the front end of a back-to-back. He will likely miss tomorrow's contest in Miami.
Clippers vs. Pelicans full injury report
The LA Clippers are without Norman Powell(right hamstring strain) and Ben Simmons(left knee injury management) against the New Orleans Pelicans. Backup center Drew Eubanks is questionable with left hip soreness. Additionally, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Seth Lundy, Cam Christie, and Trentyn Flowers are in the G-League.
New Orleans has submitted Brandon Boston Jr.(left ankle), Herb Jones(torn rotator cuff), Dejounte Murray(Achilles), Kelly Olynyk(rest), and Lester Quinones(G-League) as out.