LA Clippers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons will start in Wednesday's matchup versus the Hawks. Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) will suit up. However, head coach Jordi Fernandez indicated he would be on a minutes restriction. Simmons struggled last season. Yet, there's no denying his triple-double upside, so he could easily surpass his fantasy expectations now that he's in the starting lineup.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) will miss indefinite time to start the season as he works to rehabilitate from inflammation in his right knee. Leonard began experiencing inflammation in his surgically repaired knee during a March 31st game against the Charlotte Hornets. The inflammation held him out for the rest of the regular season and he was only able to play in two of the six games in the Clippers' series loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The team's goal for the 33-year-old is to keep him healthy throughout the season. Given his prior health issues the Clippers will need to be cautious and diligent in their approach to Leonard's playing time, an approach that's excluded Leonard from participating in any on-court drills during the preseason. Fantasy managers should avoid taking Leonard in the early rounds of their drafts with uncertainty on his availability. In his absence, James Harden should see an increase in usage. Nicolas Batum and Amir Coffey will be in line to take his spot in the starting lineup while he is out.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of the preseason. Following Monday's 110-96 win over Dallas, the Clippers have one more game to go on their preseason schedule. Leonard hasn't seen any action in preseason after undergoing offseason knee surgery. Speaking ahead of training camp, Leonard seemed confident about being in the lineup for the regular-season opener against Phoenix on Oct. 23, but that now seems far from certain. James Harden's usage numbers will likely go through the roof if Leonard isn't healthy to start the campaign, with Nicolas Batum or Amir Coffey taking over his spot in the starting lineup.

Los Angeles Clippers small forward Derrick Jones Jr. (head) is reportedly okay after getting hurt in Tuesday's preseason clash versus Brooklyn. Jones Jr. was hit to the head in the second quarter, exiting the court while holding a towel to his face. Shortly after the incident, Jones Jr. was ruled out for the rest of the game with a head contusion. However, The Athletic's Law Murray has reported that Jones Jr. is "fine" and there shouldn't be anything to worry about going forward. The eight-year veteran is projected to be a starter for the Clippers this season after inking a three-year, $30 million contract as a free agent in the summer.

Law Murray of The Athletic reports that Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) will not play in Tuesday's preseason game against Brooklyn. Leonard has yet to be cleared for 5-on-5 scrimmages after undergoing a procedure on his right knee in May. The Clippers are cautious as the 33-year-old's health has been an issue since joining the team in 2019. When Leonard is available, he is a fantasy force, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 68 contests one season ago.