LA Clippers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) will not play on the second night of the Clippers' back-to-back when they visit the Trail Blazers on Thursday. On Wednesday, Leonard played 24 minutes and had 23 points and two rebounds in the franchise-record 59-point win over the Nets, but the star will get Thursday off for injury management. Coach Ty Lue said before Wednesday's game that the plan was for Kawhi to get Thursday off, so it's no surprise that the team announced he is out. His absence will leave more work and upside for James Harden, Normal Powell, and Derrick Jones Jr. as the Clippers look to win their third straight game since having their game against the Hornets postponed last weekend.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. will move into the starting five ahead of Wednesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Head coach Ty Lue has decided to tweak his starting unit and move Jones into the starting unit on Wednesday. Kris Dunn will head to the bench after posting a dud during his 25 minutes of action on Monday. Jones has been decent this season, but he isn't someone worth starting in most fantasy formats right now. So far, Jones is averaging 9.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 24 minutes per game this season.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (hand) is not expected to miss time despite making an early exit against Miami on Monday. Jones Jr. hurt his hand and left the contest with 10:20 to go in the final quarter. However, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters postgame that Jones Jr. was "fine" and available to return to the game. The former dunk champion finished Monday's game with nine points in 16 minutes. Jones Jr.'s fantasy stock recently took a hit with Kawhi Leonard's season debut. He has come off the bench in all three games that Leonard has played. But we should see Jones Jr. back among the starters as soon as Wednesday as the Clippers head into a back-to-back set, and Leonard, who remains on a minutes restriction, will likely get one night off.

Los Angeles Clippers forwardKawhi Leonard(personal) will not suit up against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, per NBA reporter Chris Haynes. Leonard is temporarily stepping away from the Clippers to help family members who were forced to evacuate during the current wildfires in Los Angeles County.While the 33-year-old is out, James Harden and Norman Powell will see an uptick in minutes. Terrance Mann, who recently recovered from a finger injury, may also take on more playing time versus the Nuggets.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is available and is set to make his season debut against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. As expected, Leonard will be on a minutes restriction during his first game back in action. The return of Leonard is a welcoming sight for the Clippers who could desperately use his help right now. Derrick Jones Jr. figures to move to the bench and will lose fantasy appeal with Leonard returning. Norman Powell also is likely to lose some fantasy value once Leonard is back up to full speed. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Leonard back in their lineups while Leonard remains a risky play for DFS contests on Saturday.