The Clippers‘ prospects for an automatic playoff spot — or at least a better position in the play-in tournament — improved dramatically on one Kawhi Leonard shot Sunday night, writes Law Murray of The Athletic. Trailing by a point in overtime, Leonard held the ball for 15 seconds before making a move. He dribbled eight times, then launched his shot over a collapsing Kings … [Read more...] about L.A. Notes: Leonard, Lue, Morris, Hayes
California Notes: Batum, Monk, Sabonis, Loucks, Curry
Clippers forward Nicolas Batum made just his fourth start this year on Friday and helped his club notch a 105-95 win over New York, writes Janis Carr of The Orange County Register. Typical starter Derrick Jones Jr. is still dealing with a groin injury, opening up an opportunity for the 36-year-old reserve. Batum, whose season-high 17 points against the Knicks included 5-for-7 … [Read more...] about California Notes: Batum, Monk, Sabonis, Loucks, Curry
Lakers Notes: James’ Injury, Road Trip, Doncic, Hayes
The Lakers know that LeBron James won’t be able to play for at least a week, and probably longer, due to a groin strain. How will they survive the upcoming stretch of games without him? “I think we just have to continue to play hard and play defense,” coach JJ Redick said, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. The Lakers have been the No. 1 ranked defense in the league since … [Read more...] about Lakers Notes: James’ Injury, Road Trip, Doncic, Hayes
Clippers’ Powell Out At Least 10 Days With Hamstring Strain
After missing five games due to a left knee injury (patellar tendinopathy), Clippers wing Norman Powell lasted just nine minutes in his return on Sunday before exiting the game due to a right leg injury. As Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints tweets, Powell has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in 10 days, according to the Clippers. The team technically … [Read more...] about Clippers’ Powell Out At Least 10 Days With Hamstring Strain
Celtics Notes: Tatum, Scheierman, Norris, Walker
There’s a spotlight on every Celtics-Lakers game, but tonight’s nationally televised matchup takes on extra significance because the teams are meeting for the first time since L.A. acquired Luka Doncic. While Jayson Tatum acknowledges the years of classic games between the two franchises, he tells Brian Robb of MassLive that he doesn’t view it as a rivalry. “I mean, I obviously … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Tatum, Scheierman, Norris, Walker