The Los Angeles Clippers will be taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers today as they look to grab their third straight win. Los Angeles has been playing lights out of late, winning eight of their previous 10 games overall.
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Entering this game, Los Angeles sits in the No. 6 spot of the Western Conference playoff picture. They hold a record of 42-31 and seem to be clicking at just the right time before the playoffs start.
But entering this game against the Cavaliers, Los Angeles is dealing with some injury issues. Star forward Kawhi Leonard has landed on the injury report due to a right knee issue.
Due to this injury, Leonard has been ruled out of this game against Cleveland. It seems that his missing the game is more for management of the issue, rather than him being fully hurt.
Nonetheless, the Clippers will try to take down the Cavaliers without their leader. Star guard James Harden will have more responsibility on his shoulders in this contest.
Cleveland has the best record in the Eastern Conference, so this will be a test for Los Angeles. But they believe they have what it takes to grab this game.
Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images
Leonard has played extremely well since coming back from injury this year. For the season, he has averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
The star forward has only played in 30 games for the Clippers this season, but he has picked up his play of late. The Clippers have been needing this type of production from Leonard as they continue their last season push.
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The Clippers want to avoid the Play-In tournament out West, but will need to keep pushing forward. They are in a giant clump of teams vying for the top-six spots in the conference and will need a major finish to secure their spot.
Due to all the strong teams in the West this season, many have forgotten about the Clippers as legitimate contenders. However, if Leonard continues to play at such a high level, it would be wise for others to start taking Los Angeles more seriously.
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