2 min read • March 06, 2022
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The Clippers (SIC Score 83.3) continue to chug along without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, bringing a 5-game winning streak into their Sunday night matchup with the Knicks.
Leonard, George, and Norman Powell all remain out indefinitely, but otherwise Los Angeles has no entries on its injury report.
The 34-31 Clippers have 5 different players averaging double-digits, led by Reggie Jackson with 17 and 4.7 assists, Marcus Morris Sr. with 16, and Luke Kennard with 11.6 on 44.8% from behind the arc.
Coach of The Year candidate Tyronn Lue makes full use of his deep bench, as 10 different players average at least 14 minutes per game and only one plays over 30 (Reggie Jackson).
The Knicks (SIC Score 79.9) will be without much of their front line and their backcourt on Sunday as they attempt to end a 7-game slide.
Nerlens Noel and Obi Toppin have already been ruled out, and Taj Gibson is doubtful with an illness, leaving Mitchell Robinson to battle with Ivica Zubac and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Derrick Rose is out still as he recovers from a second surgery on his right ankle, while rookie Quentin Grimes is out for another week at least with a right patella subluxation. Kemba Walker will not play again for the Knicks this season while he rests and rehabs his ailing knees and prepares for a 2022-23 season on a contending team.
Small forward RJ Barrett, who is averaging a career-high 18.9 points this season, is scoring 30 points on 23.3 shots in 39.9 minutes since returning from an ankle sprain after the All-Star break.
Alec Burks, Evan Fournier, and Immaneul Quickley will man the guard spots and add tertiary scoring behind Barrett and Julius Randle, who was on his way to a great game before getting ejected late in the 3rd quarter Friday against the Suns.
Potential Plays:
Reggie Jackson O20.5 Points - The Knicks have no PG depth which should allow Jackson to do whatever he wants against a depleted backcourt
Julius Randle O37.5 Pts+Reb+Ast - Toppin, Gibson and Grimes are out meaning Randle will likely play over 33 minutes, likely to post a do-it-all stat line
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