LA Clippers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is anticipated to make his 2024-25 debut on Saturday versus the Hawks. The veteran hasn't played yet this season after battling another knee issue. However, it's a positive update, although he'll presumably be limited for more than a few games. He'll also likely miss either game of back-to-back outings for the remainder of the year. Without question, Leonard is a fantastic player, posting career averages of 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. For now, he's still officially listed as questionable. But assuming Leonard officially gets the green light, fantasy managers must get him into the starting lineup, with his anticipated presence likely resulting in fewer minutes for Amir Coffey. It's also logical to assume that Norman Powell, who is second on the team in scoring, will eventually see a dip in production if Leonard remains healthy moving ahead.

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (groin) has been downgraded to out ahead of Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was listed as questionable coming into this game, but Harden will now miss his second game in a row. The absence of Harden should mean more minutes for Kevin Porter Jr., Bones Hyland, and Kris Dunn. Between the three, Porter is the best streaming option for Thursday's slate. Porter is coming off back-to-back duds, but before that he was playing fairly decent. He's worth a look as a streaming option with Harden unavailable on Thursday.

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (groin) was added to the Clippers' injury report on Thursday afternoon ahead of their showdown in Oklahoma City with the Thunder. Harden has been carrying the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard (knee) still sidelined and is averaging 21.9 points, 7.8 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 33.9 minutes per game. Harden has a team-high 31.6% usage rate, so if he's ruled out there will be a dramatic impact on the Clippers' offense. With Harden off the floor, Norman Powell gets a boost in usage of over five percentage points while Ivica Zubac and Kevin Porter Jr. also take on a larger workload. Harden has missed just one game all season, and Porter started in his place, logging 37 minutes and scoring 19 points while Bones Hyland played 28 minutes off the bench and finished with 22 points and four assists.

Los Angeles Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is targeting his return to the court on January 4 against the Hawks. Leonard has joined the squad's practice sessions and while the team will be out of town, he will practice with the San Diego Clippers. He's yet to play a game for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2024-25 NBA season. His return will be big for the team and fantasy managers, nonetheless. If Leonard comes back next Saturday against the Hawks, he will have missed the Clippers' first 34 games of the season as he's been dealing with inflammation in his right knee.

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Kevin Porter Jr. (illness) will sit out Friday's game against Golden State. He's battling an illness and has been downgraded from questionable to out. As the leader of the second unit, Porter Jr. has contributed 10.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this season. Bones Hyland and Jordan Miller might re-enter the rotation due to Porter Jr.'s absence, but they likely won't offer the same level of production he does.