UPDATE: Feb. 19, 8:17 p.m. — The Clippers will be getting some major help on Friday night as they welcome back both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to their starting lineup. Nic Batum will also be in the starting lineup, while Luke Kennard is available to play.
UPDATE: Feb. 18, 8:20 p.m. — Leonard and George are being listed as questionable to play in Friday’s game vs. the Jazz. Batum and Luke Kennard are also questionable for the Clippers, who had a four-game winning streak end on Wednesday against the Jazz in a 114-96 loss. Kawhi and PG-13 both have a chance to get back in the lineup. George has had a long layoff while Leonard has been out most of this week.
UPDATE: Feb. 17, 8:19 p.m. — Leonard has been ruled out again for Wednesday’s game vs. the Jazz. So the Clippers won’t have Batum, Leonard or George against the top team in the Western Conference. This line seems dangerous to me even though the Jazz should win pretty handily on the road. It’s at 5.5 points for the Jazz, though the Clippers play tough without Leonard and George, plus Beverley is back in the lineup. I’d maybe wait and watch some first quarter and bet in-game.
UPDATE: Feb. 16, 8:32 p.m. — Leonard is being listed as questionable to play in Wednesday’s game vs. the Utah Jazz. George and Nic Batum will remain out, while Beverley is expected to return after resting on Monday.
The Clippers have been just fine without Kawhi and PG, winning both games without Leonard. If Leonard is able to return, Terrence Mann likely heads back to the bench. We should also see Lou Williams back in his usual spot as the 6th Man with Beverley back in the lineup.
UPDATE: Feb. 15, 4:22 p.m. — Leonard and George remain sidelined for Monday’s game vs. the Miami Heat. Kawhi missed Sunday’s win over the Cavaliers due to a lower left leg contusion. George has been out due to a foot injury. PG Patrick Beverley will also sit out Monday to get some rest.
The Clippers were favored by 3.5 points prior to the news that Kawhi and Pat Bev will sit. Los Angeles looked fine on Sunday night against the Cavs in a 128-111 victory. Lou Williams started and led the team in scoring with 30 points. That trend could continue on Monday night. Marcus Morris and Luke Kennard played the most off the bench. Reggie Jackson should also see more usage and minutes with Beverley out.
Los Angeles Clippers SF Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a leg injury. The Clippers will also be without star Paul George, who has missed the past four games due to a foot injury. So the Clips will look to win their third straight game without both All-Stars. Leonard’s injury is just a contusion, so it doesn’t appear to be serious. L.A. is also on the first end of a back-to-back with a game vs. the Miami Heat on Monday.
Update: Lou Williams ($6,300) is the man who will be starting in place of Leonard vs. the Cavaliers. Lou Will is a good GPP pivot given his scoring has seen an uptick the past three games. We could see some vintage Lou Williams if this game doesn’t get out of hand early.
This news gives us a bunch of strong plays on the Clippers for the main slate, which has already locked. If you can pivot some spots, Reggie Jackson ($5,300), Nic Batum ($4,900) and Marcus Morris ($4,800) are appealing options who are all affordable. Even Luke Kennard ($4,300) will be an OK option if he ends up starting for Kawhi.
The lines are down on DraftKings Sportsbook after the Clippers were big favorites. The Cavs are sitting Andre Drummond and the Clippers have a pretty deep roster. I’d imagine the Clippers will still favored at home, but it may not be by double-digit points. There could be some value in the Cavaliers on the spread. We’ll also have to see what the over/under ends up being. Drummond and Leonard being out hurts both teams offensively and defensively.