Kawhi Leonard’s Return
Kawhi Leonard, the six-time All-Star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, has been sidelined this season due to knee inflammation. However, he has recently returned to practice and is targeting a return date of January 4. Despite his absence, the Clippers have managed to compile the fifth-best record in the Western Conference, showcasing their resilience and depth.
Clippers’ Recent Performance
In their most recent game, a 102-92 victory against the Golden State Warriors, the Clippers played without several key players, including Terance Mann (finger), Kevin Porter Jr. (illness), and Kobe Brown (back). Norman Powell emerged as the team’s leading scorer with 26 points, and Ivica Zubac recorded his seventh straight double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Clippers built a 21-point lead but had to fend off a late Warriors rally, committing 12 of their 23 turnovers in the fourth quarter.
Pelicans’ Struggles
The New Orleans Pelicans have been struggling without their top players, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Williamson has missed 26 games, and Ingram has missed 143. The Pelicans have lost nine of their last ten games and have not led in their last two games, falling to Memphis and Houston.
Key Players Absent for Pelicans
Without Williamson and Ingram, the Pelicans have relied on players like Murphy, who is averaging a career-best 20.2 points per game and has averaged 26.2 points in the last five games. Murphy has expanded his scoring repertoire, becoming the team’s most prolific 3-point shooter.
Matchup Outlook
The Clippers will face the Pelicans on Monday night in New Orleans without Kawhi Leonard, Terance Mann, Kevin Porter Jr., and Kobe Brown. The Pelicans, on the other hand, will be without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Both teams will need to rely on their depth and secondary players to secure a win.
Conclusion
The Clippers have shown they can compete without Kawhi Leonard, but his return will undoubtedly bolster their lineup and make them a more formidable opponent. The Pelicans, struggling without their top players, will need to find ways to overcome their recent slump and secure a win against a resilient Clippers team.
