At the first home game back from a road trip, the LA Clippers welcome the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening. This game comes after a day's rest, as the Clippers' last was against the Hawks, where they won 121-98.
Despite being down eight points at intermission, the Clippers started the third quarter passionate and heated on both sides of the ball, holding the Hawks to just eight points in 12 minutes while scoring 35.
This run was elevated by none other than the former MVP, James Harden. He had the offense at the palm of his hands with numerous crafty plays. He finished the win as the game MVP with 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks. Kawhi Leonard was also fantastic on both ends, concluding with 25 points, six rebounds, and five steals.
As Harden's primary recipient, the star big man Ivica Zubac was close to perfect from the floor, shooting 8-9 for 18 points in 30 minutes.
Moreover, this victory was particularly memorable for Bogdan Bogdanović, a Hawk before the trade deadline. He visited his former squad and flamed them for 12 points in 21 minutes off the bench. Bogdanović was also a +/- of +13.
The Clippers ended the Hawks' winning streak and began one of their own as the eighth seed in the Western Conference's play-in tournament.
On the flip side, the Hornets' stacked young team has momentum after a 145-point triumphant performance against the San Antonio Spurs. LaMelo Ball, a 23-year-old superstar, led the Hornets over the Spurs by posting 27 points and 15 assists.
The Hornets shot 60.0% from the field and 56.5% from three, proving they can get hot and remain that way for all 48 minutes if tight defense is not played. The Clippers must stay active and swarm the ball with no mercy shown.
Are Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell playing against the Charlotte Hornets on March 16th?
After a two-week hiatus, Norman Powell(right hamstring) has been upgraded to questionable status for the LA Clippers versus Charlotte Hornets. Two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard will be in action.
Remaining injury report for LA Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets March 16th
Other than Kris Dunn(left knee soreness) and Jordan Miller(left hip soreness), the Clippers will be healthy. Patrick Baldwin Jr., Trentyn Flowers, and Seth Lundy will miss today due to their two-way contracts.
The Charlotte Hornets have seven players out: Damion Baugh(G-League), Tre Mann(disc herniation), Brandon Miller(right wrist), Josh Okogie(left hamstring), Tidjane Salaun(G-League), KJ Simpson(G-League), and Grant Williams(right ACL).