LA Clippers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Philadelphia 76ers forward Nicolas Batum (hamstring) is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Knicks at home. The 35-year-old hasn't played since January 29th, but he participated in practice before the All-Star break and again on Wednesday without any limitations. Head coach Nick Nurse suggested the veteran is probable to make his return, barring any setbacks during pregame warmups. Batum holds averages of 5.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 25.5 minutes per game this season.

Los Angeles Clippers guards James Harden and Paul George are both looking for a new contract this coming summer and it seems that the team will be doing their best to keep them around. According to Howard Beck of The Ringer, after the Clippers invested $2 billion into a new arena, they'll be trying to keep around their core regardless of their postseason success this year. Harden and George play a huge part in keeping the Clippers relevant, and they already signed Kawhi Leonard to a new contract as well. So, while other superstars are expected to test the market, the Clippers should look pretty similar to how the roster has shaken out so far.

Los Angeles Clippers forward P.J. Tucker is away from the team. He was sent home ahead of the meeting with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday evening, although he's anticipated to rejoin Los Angeles after the All-Star break. The 38-year-old was acquired by the Clippers only three games into the 2023-24 campaign. However, he hasn't seen much work in Los Angeles, averaging just 14 minutes, and has appeared in only 12 games for the club. Tucker hasn't been on the floor since November, and although both sides have had productive talks, he's not expected to do anything meaningful for fantasy managers anytime soon.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (knee) is out for Wednesday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. After Simmons collected five points, eight assists, and six boards in 24 minutes during Tuesday's defeat to the Celtics, a left knee effusion will cost him the second leg of a two-game home and away set against Boston. In all likelihood, Simmons will be back on the hardwood for Brooklyn's first outing post-All-Star break on Feb. 22 against the Toronto Raptors. Cameron Johnson (thigh) will return for the Nets on Wednesday following a four-game absence, representing the most likely candidate to replace Simmons in the starting five. The Celts rank first against forwards this season, per DraftKings scoring, so while Johnson is fine to deploy in head-to-head season-long fantasy leagues, he's only a contrarian DFS option in a nightmarish situation.

The Los Angeles Clippers say forward Kawhi Leonard (groin) is out for Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Leonard is dealing with a strained left groin and will miss his first game since late December. Groin strains can be tricky and tend to result in multi-week absences, so while the All-Star break comes at the right time for Leonard and the Clips, there's no guarantee the two-way superstar will be ready to go when play resumes on Feb. 22 in a showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Paul George and James Harden will steer the offense on Wednesday, and Amir Coffey figures to make a spot start in L.A.'s first unit. In seven starting appearances this year, Coffey has averaged only 10.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 three-pointers, and 1.3 assists and isn't a great streaming option for fantasy purposes.