The LA Clippers will face a challenging matchup in their upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns as they will be missing key players due to injuries. Forwards Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, along with guard James Harden, have been ruled out for the game. George is dealing with left knee soreness, Leonard has right knee inflammation, and Harden is sidelined with right foot inflammation. Additionally, guard Russell Westbrook and center Ivica Zubac are listed as questionable, further complicating the Clippers' lineup.
In their recent victory over the Suns, George, Zubac, and Westbrook played pivotal roles in securing a 105-92 win. George contributed 23 points, Zubac recorded a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Westbrook posted an impressive stat line of 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. However, with George, Leonard, and Harden unavailable for the rematch, the Clippers will need to rely on their depth to fill the void left by their absence.
Leonard, George, and Harden are the leading scorers for the Clippers this season, with Leonard averaging 23.7 points per game, George averaging 22.8 points, and Harden contributing 16.7 points per game. Despite their absence, the Clippers currently hold the fourth spot in the competitive Western Conference standings.
On the other side, the Phoenix Suns are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference, trailing the New Orleans Pelicans by just one game. The Suns are closely followed by the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors, making every game crucial as they jockey for playoff positioning.
