LA Clippers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (rest) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. The superstar forward appears to be ready for action again after sitting out the second leg of the back-to-back set on Wednesday. The Clippers are going to continue resting the oft-injured forward, especially with the playoffs getting closer. Fantasy managers should expect Leonard to have his normal workload during Friday's game. When healthy, Leonard has been an excellent fantasy option, so make sure to plug him back into lineups ahead of Friday's contest.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum will move into the starting five ahead of Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The veteran forward will make his third start of the season with Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Derrick Jones Jr. (groin) both sidelined. The 36-year-old hasn't brought much to the table this season in a limited role. He's averaging 3.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17 minutes per game this season. Possibly, Batum could have low-end streaming value on Wednesday, but most fantasy managers can find a better option for Wednesday's slate.

Dallas Mavericks center Kai Jones (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Initially, the team listed him as questionable for the game. Jones sparked a lot of excitement among fantasy managers when he debuted for the Mavericks with 21 points and eight rebounds on Monday against the Sacramento Kings. However, he has suffered a left quadriceps strain, and it's unclear when he will be able to suit up next. Dallas is severely short on players Wednesday, which could lead to Dwight Powell logging major minutes at center.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Norman Powell (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in 10 days after suffering a right hamstring strain. The 31-year-old has had a fantastic season, averaging a career-high 23.8 points with 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while shooting 42.4% from behind the arc. Unfortunately, the latest update means he'll miss at least six games, although it's possible he could be out longer. With Powell sidelined, Bogdan Bogdanovic, who is coming off a 13-point, four-rebound showing in Tuesday's loss to the Suns, should remain in the starting lineup, with Amir Coffey potentially earning more minutes.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (rest) still hasn't been cleared for playing in back-to-backs yet. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue reiterated this point to the media prior to Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns. With that, don't expect Leonard to play in tonight's game against the Detroit Pistons. The plans for the 33-year-old are clearly to keep him healthy for the playoffs. Los Angeles is currently in the ninth seed in the West and holds a 3.5 game lead over the Suns in the 11th seed. With Leonard expected to sit, look for Derrick Jones Jr. to get the start if he's active as he's dealing with a groin issue. If neither are active, look for Amir Coffey or Nicolas Batum to play extended minutes.