The Los Angeles Clippers visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday night in a pivotal Western Conference matchup with both teams jockeying for positioning as the regular season winds down.
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has been the anchor for Los Angeles, leading the team in scoring at 28.0 points per game and pacing them in rebounds and assists, according to season statistical splits. Leonard’s production has helped keep the Clippers competitive despite an up-and-down campaign that currently sees Los Angeles 27-31 and outside playoff position.
Los Angeles snapped a three-game skid earlier Tuesday with a 137-117 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans, with Leonard scoring 23 points and strong contributions from Jordan Miller (19), Derrick Jones Jr. (17) and Brook Lopez (16). John Collins returned from injury in that game, adding 15 points for the Clippers.
Guard James Harden remains a game-time question after being listed as questionable with right shoulder soreness in recent injury reports. His playmaking and 3-point shooting provide a major offensive boost if he enters the lineup.
For Golden State, the injury picture has tilted heavily against the host Warriors. Stephen Curry, the franchise’s perennial All-Star and scoring leader at 27.2 points per game, is out with right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and will miss at least five more games, including tonight’s contest.
Big man Kristaps Porziņģis also will not play, sidelined for a fifth straight game due to illness, and Will Richard is out with an ankle sprain. Gary Payton II is considered questionable with an ankle impingement.
Golden State’s struggles without Curry have been evident; the Warriors have gone 4-6 over their last 10 games and sit eighth in the West at 31-29.
In the absence of their star guard, the Warriors have relied on depth players such as Brandin Podziemski and Draymond Green to shoulder offensive and defensive responsibilities. Podziemski has been a consistent contributor and is expected to play a key role in trying to keep Golden State in the game.
Monday’s matchup pits two Western teams hovering around the play-in bubble, with both clubs desperate for a crucial victory. For the Clippers, a win could inch them closer to postseason contention. For the Warriors, it’s another step in navigating Curry’s absence and maintaining position ahead of the crowded mid-seed pack. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Chase Center.
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