The Los Angeles Clippers are bracing for a challenging schedule in March, featuring 18 games packed into a short span, including four back-to-back matchups without any consecutive days off. This demanding stretch will be critical for the Clippers as they aim to improve their position in the competitive Western Conference.
Their journey begins against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans, who currently hold a record of 19-42. Despite the Pelicans riding a four-game winning streak and performing at their best this season, they face a tough challenge ahead. They will be on the second night of a back-to-back, traveling to Los Angeles after a victory against the Utah Jazz, and they are likely to be without star players Zion Williamson, who recently sprained his ankle, and Trey Murphy, who has been sidelined with a shoulder contusion since the All-Star break.
The Clippers, meanwhile, will miss Darius Garland due to injury, while John Collins is uncertain to play due to head and neck injuries. However, they will have a fully healthy Kawhi Leonard, who was recently removed from the injury report after missing a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to ankle soreness. Leonard has been nursing this condition since returning from the All-Star break and hasn’t played over 33 minutes in any game since then, often appearing on the injury report.
The decision to rest Leonard has been strategic, giving him the time needed to recover adequately before this critical stretch. While his minutes for the upcoming games are still uncertain, Ty Lue, the Clippers’ head coach, has been cautious in managing Leonard’s playing time. This approach is essential, especially with the Clippers facing back-to-back games against both the Pelicans and the Warriors.
Looking ahead, Garland is anticipated to return for the Warriors matchup, which should provide Leonard with additional offensive support, easing the burden on him and hopefully keeping him healthy for the remainder of the season. This could be a turning point for the Clippers as they strive to improve their playoff positioning in the closing weeks of the regular season.