Projected starting lineup, rotation, and how to watch Clippers season opener
By Will Eudy
The long wait is finally over. On Wednesday evening, the LA Clippers will finally host their first-ever regular season contest at Intuit Dome, and officially tip off a brand-new era of Clippers basketball.
It has been a long time coming, but the Clippers now have their own home arena all to themselves for the first time in their history, and they no longer have to hide in the shadow of their cross-town rival Lakers anymore. With this new era comes a completely new roster of players as well.
After losing Paul George and Russell Westbrook during the offseason, Lawrence Frank and the front office landed several key free agents to supplant the loss of these heavy-minutes players. Now, this new team will make its official debut against the Phoenix Suns at Intuit Dome.
Clippers projected starting lineup vs. Suns
James Harden
Terance Mann
Norman Powell
Derrick Jones Jr.
Ivica Zubac
Clippers projected rotation vs. Suns
The Clippers' rotation on opening night should include the majority of the roster, with some minor exceptions. Obviously, Kawhi Leonard will remain sidelined, as he is out indefinitely with continued knee swelling as LA begins the regular season.
P.J. Tucker remains away from the team, and the Clippers remain intent on finding a new home for him. Other than that, Ty Lue will likely try to get playing time for most of the guys expected to be in the regular rotation, which could include some of the less-tenured players who showed out in preseason.
PG: James Harden, Kris Dunn
SG: Terance Mann, Kevin Porter Jr., Amir Coffey
SF: Norman Powell, Kobe Brown
PF: Derrick Jones Jr., Nic Batum
C: Ivica Zubac, Kai Jones
Clippers injury report
Kawhi Leonard (knee), Mo Bamba (knee), and P.J. Tucker (not with team) are all out on Wednesday.
Suns projected starting lineup vs. Clippers
Tyus Jones
Bradley Beal
Devin Booker
Kevin Durant
Jusuf Nurkic
Suns injury report
Josh Okogie (hamstring) is out, while Damion Lee (hamstring) and Grayson Allen (Achilles) are questionable.
How to watch Clippers-Suns
Clippers vs. Suns will be televised on ESPN, with tipoff set for 7:00 PM PT. Clippers fans can also watch the home broadcast for Los Angeles vs. Phoenix on FanDuel Sports Network (previously Bally Sports West).
Clippers' next five regular season games
Saturday, Oct. 26 at Nuggets (2:00 p.m. PT on NBATV)
Sunday, Oct. 27 at Warriors (5:30 p.m. PT on FanDuel Sports Network)
Wednesday, Oct. 30 vs Trail Blazers (7:30 p.m. PT on FDSN)
Thursday, Oct. 31 vs Suns (7:30 p.m. PT on NBATV)
Saturday, Nov. 2 vs Thunder (7:30 p.m. PT on FDSN)
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