Shorthanded Clippers Face Hot-Paced Pistons in Crucial Matchup

INGLEWOOD, California — The LA Clippers, coming off a tough road loss to the Indiana Pacers, are set to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday. The Pistons aim to extend their winning streak to seven games as the Clippers contend with injuries to key players.

Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell will sit out the matchup, leaving the team without two of its top scorers. This comes as the Clippers have only managed to win three of their last eight games, raising concerns about their ability to compete without their main offensive threats.

Before the game, Clippers head coach Ty Lue provided an update, stating, “They’re getting better. Still a day-to-day situation. Just gonna be out tonight.” Leonard is sidelined with left foot soreness and will miss his 40th game of the 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, Powell is dealing with left patellar tendinopathy and has already missed 12 games this season.

Powell’s absence is particularly damaging, as he leads the Clippers in scoring this season, averaging 24.2 points per game and shooting 42.8% from three-point range. The Clippers are only 4-7 when he is out of the lineup, and they will be looking for alternative scoring options to fill this gap.

With the Pistons experiencing a surge in performance, the Clippers’ challenge is made even more daunting. The Pistons are gaining momentum with a six-game winning streak, and they are well aware of the opportunity presented by a depleted Clippers squad.

On the offensive end, the Clippers will need to rely heavily on James Harden, who is expected to take on a larger scoring role. As emphasized by Lue, the focus remains on ensuring Leonard and Powell recover fully rather than risking their long-term health for a single game.

The Clippers, currently positioned in the Western Conference playoff race, face a critical juncture. If they are to remain competitive, the return and health of their stars will be paramount in the coming weeks.

“As a team, we’ve got to step up and find ways to score,” Lue said. “It’s a collective effort, and we’ll make adjustments as we go.”