What’s up with the Los Angeles Clippers?
Los Angeles fans are all still hoping that Kawhi Leonard continues to put up stellar numbers for the rest of the season.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP produced a season-high 33 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a 113-101 win over the Doncic-led Mavericks on Wednesday.
Leonard’s increased playing minutes have certainly been a good sign. He logged 36 minutes against Dallas, playing at least 34 minutes in six of his last appearances.
Despite Kawhi slowly returning to his old form, not all is good news for Los Angeles, which is currently in sixth place in the Western Conference standings. All-Star Paul George (hamstring) will likely miss his fourth straight game while Luke Kennard (calf) will miss his third. Other than that, Reggie Jackson has also been pushed to the bench as a healthy DNP.
What’s up with the Denver Nuggets?
The top team of the West recently showed the injury-depleted Phoenix Suns no mercy the other day.
Nikola Jokic, who is definitely in the running for the 2023 NBA MVP race, led the way with a near triple-double of 21 points, 18 rebounds, and nine dimes. It remains to be seen, though, if Jokic will suit up tomorrow against the Clippers.
The Nuggets’ chemistry has been great lately, especially during this streak. Six Nuggets, including four of their starters, finished in double-digit scoring in the drilling of the Suns.
In their post-game interview, Bones Hyland said: “I feel like whoever gets the ball and they’re open, it’s a made shot. I feel like we’re so connected right now.”
It was already scary when the center juggernaut Jokic was surrounded by great players to complement his playing style but it’s scarier now because everyone is feeling the team connection and gaining more confidence to shoot the ball.
Prediction
In the last six head-to-head meetings between the two teams, Denver has won by huge margins. On January 6, the Nuggets defeated the Clippers, 122-91.
LA still might miss George so the Clippers face a tall task in beating the Nuggets without their top scorer. And when you’re rolling like how the Nuggets are on the court, this upcoming matchup looks like another win for them.
Where to watch
You can catch the Clippers and Nuggets in action live at 11:00 AM on NBA League Pass.
