The LA Clippers have announced that Kawhi Leonard will not be playing in their game against the Orlando Magic tonight. The team is following their strategy of keeping a close eye on Leonard’s right knee, especially during back-to-back games.
As the LA Clippers are scheduled to play consecutive games, they have decided to rest Kawhi Leonard for their first game against the Orlando Magic tonight. The team is being cautious about monitoring Leonard’s right knee, which is why he will not play in this game.
Kawhi Leonard won’t play against Orlando Magic
The LA Clippers have a goal of finishing in the top four, but they will not change their load management strategy for Kawhi Leonard, also known as “The Klaw.”
The LA Clippers had a rough start under the leadership of Russell Westbrook, losing their first five games. However, they have improved and are now on a four-game winning streak with a record of 37-33. They aim to secure a top-four finish in the competitive Western Conference, but will continue to follow their load management plan for Kawhi Leonard. With Leonard out, players such as Paul George, Ivica Zubac, Nic Batum, and Westbrook will have more responsibility on both offense and defense. On the other hand, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers will miss his fourth game in a row due to a right ankle sprain. He may be sidelined for a few more games.
The Pacers have historically struggled without their star player, but in their last three games without Haliburton, they have won two and lost one. They even managed to beat the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks, 139-123, without Haliburton’s contributions. The young point guard is a key player for the Pacers, averaging 20.8 points, 10.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 54 games this season. Unfortunately, the timing of his injury is particularly unfortunate as the Pacers are currently pushing to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs.
Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) out at least 3 games.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 16, 2023
The Indiana Pacers are currently 32-38 in the NBA standings, and they are trailing behind the Chicago Bulls, who are holding the 10th seed and the last play-in spot in the Eastern Conference by just half a game.
Kyle Lowry: Left knee soreness
Kyle Lowry has been dealing with a left knee injury, and has played only three games since his return. The Miami Heat are taking it easy with him by bringing him off the bench. The team is being careful with Lowry, especially since they are scheduled to play back-to-back games, starting with tonight’s game against the Chicago Bulls. Lowry’s availability for the game is uncertain as he is listed as questionable.
Kyle Lowry (knee) listed questionable for Saturday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 17, 2023
Kyle Lowry has participated in 47 games so far and is averaging 11.9 points, which is his lowest scoring average since the 2009-10 season when he averaged 9.1 PPG. His field goal percentage has also decreased, as he is only hitting 40.2% of his shots compared to 44.0% last year. Despite these struggles, Lowry is still a crucial player in the Miami Heat’s offense under head coach Erik Spoelstra. Lowry is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Chicago Bulls, but there’s a chance he could return on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.
Jordan Clarkson: Fourth finger sprain on the left hand
Jordan Clarkson, who has been out for the Utah Jazz’s last four games due to a sprained fourth finger on his left hand, has been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s game against the Boston Celtics. The Jazz’s former NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner fully participated in the team’s last practice, indicating that there is a good chance he will return to action tonight.
Jordan Clarkson (finger) questionable for Saturday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 17, 2023
The Jazz, despite their struggles, are in the running for the play-in tournament. They have a 33-36 record, which means they are virtually tied with the LA Lakers (34-37) for the 10th seed. The Lakers are currently 2-0 in their head-to-head matchups, with two more games left to play.