The Clippers might not have some of their best players for this game, including James Harden. Harden is listed questionable with right groin soreness. The Clippers have quite a few players who could miss this game due to soreness. If they do, the Celtics absolutely have to win this game. They have to take advantage when other teams are injured.
Leonard has played just five games this season, as star guards James Harden and Norman Powell have had to carry the offense on their backs. Both Harden and Powell are having All-Star-caliber seasons and have played huge roles in LA's success.
The versatile guard is named to the Western Conference reserves; teammate Norman Powell is not despite averaging a team-best 24 points per game.
The Los Angeles Clippers experienced one of their most disappointing losses of the season on Monday night when the Chicago Bulls took them down at home. Following the 112-99 loss, James Harden was asked about facing the Boston Celtics on Wednesday,
The Los Angeles Clippers rule Kawhi Leonard out, with James Harden's injury status uncertain ahead of their matchup vs. the Boston Celtics.
A disappointing loss to the Chicago Bulls on Monday left the LA Clippers with plenty to think about moving forward. James Harden was obviously concerned after a lopsided defeat at the hands of a sub-.
Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Selected
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown voted to third straight All-Star Game, joining Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown voted in to his fourth NBA All-Star Game, this time as a reserve
The reigning NBA Finals MVP is averaging 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game for the Celtics, who sit second in the Eastern Conference.
NBA All-Star reserves announced: Victor Wembanyama, Jaylen Brown headline
There were seven players picked Thursday from each conference. From the Eastern Conference: Boston's Jaylen Brown, Indiana's Pascal Siakam, Cleveland's Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Detroit's Cade Cunningham, Milwaukee's Damian Lillard — last year's All-Star MVP — and Miami's Tyler Herro.
The Los Angeles Clippers (24-18) are gearing up for a challenging matchup against the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics ... Veteran guard James Harden is listed as questionable with right ...
The Boston Celtics got key contributions from the bench guys as they narrowly best the Los Angeles Clippers 117-113 in overtime.
Given that schedule, the Celtics also chose a cautious approach with several of their veterans. Jrue Holiday (shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Al Horford (big toe) all were ruled out against the Clippers after being listed as questionable.
Boston has lost nine games this season where it had the lead in the fourth quarter (which equals last year's mark in half the games).
Boston’s starting five is finding cohesion, and its defense stifled Golden State. The Celtics’ ability to stay consistent will be tested against the Clippers, who sit fifth in the Western Conference standings and sport a 15-7 record at the Intuit Dome.