Teams heading in opposite Ae directions clash as LA and Golden State continue a four-game regular-season series after splitting their first two encounters in 2022-23.
Injury Updates Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors
Two veteran-laden lineups with championship aspirations duel in a match-up with serious playoff implications when the Los Angeles Clippers visit the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Thursday night.
The Clippers have lost three straight games and the Warriors have won three straight games. This means that the two teams are tied for fifth place in the Western Conference as they get ready for the third game of their four-game season series.
Both teams in California’s heated rivalry have won their previous two meetings, but now sit within a single percentage point of each other in the standings.
If the teams end up tied 2-2 in the season series after their March 15 matchup in Los Angeles, the Clippers would win the divisional tiebreaker.
After missing the last nine games with a partially torn ligament in his lower left leg, the Warriors are hopeful that Stephen Curry will return for the decisive match because he has returned to the practice court in a limited capacity.
- Update injury status Stephen Curry
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that the Warriors are hopeful that Curry (lower leg) will return during the team’s upcoming three-game road trip, which kicks off this Sunday against the Lakers.
Wojnarowski’s report indicates that the star point guard will miss at least two more games due to the partial tears in his superior tibiofibular ligaments and interosseous membrane, as well as a contusion to his left lower leg.
But the prognosis for Curry’s return is looking good, and he could play as soon as Sunday.
When Steph Curry was injured, Klay Thompson stepped up to fill the void at the 3-point line. After nine games, the veteran has shot 55 threes at a 47 percent clip, putting him at No. 2 in the NBA behind only Buddy Hield.
On Tuesday, Thompson scored 23 points and Jordan Poole added 29 as the Thunder defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 123-105 at home. Draymond Green returned to the lineup and had a huge impact, scoring 12 points, grabbing nine boards, dishing out eight assists, stealing two bases, and blocking two shots.
Draymond Green’s right knee injury forced him to sit out of the previous two games.
“It just feels like we’re coming together. It feels like there’s some chemistry, some energy that’s forming,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr gushed after the win. “We’ve been battling all season … just keeping our heads above water. I think we can feel the finish line. We know Steph’s gonna be back before too long, hopefully (Andrew Wiggins), hopefully Gary (Payton II). So we got reinforcements coming.
“In the meantime, these guys are doing a hell of a job. It feels like there’s some grit and some toughness, and the guys are really coming together. It’s fun to watch.”
- Can we expect to see Paul George and Kawhi Leonard on the court?
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have led the Clippers to San Francisco in fine form, averaging 60.6% of their team’s points during the losing streak. During that time period, Leonard has a 58.3 percent field goal percentage and George has a 48.1 percent clip. Together, they have a combined 3 point percentage of 51.3%.
After playing for 39 minutes on Tuesday, Leonard finished with 23 points (7-19 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 6-6 FT), five rebounds, five assists, and one steal in the Timberwolves’ 108-101 defeat.
Leonard’s recent tear of production has been impressive, but he did have a bit of a reality check in the win. He had a career night against the Kings and then scored 33 points against the Nuggets on Monday.
If Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can stay healthy, the Clippers will be a serious threat in the Western Conference. With Russell Westbrook in the mix, the Clippers now have a capable third scorer to help alleviate some of the load.
