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Clippers Face Nuggets Post-Break: Injuries & Playoff Push
19 Feb
Summary
- Clippers aim to avoid season sweep against the Nuggets.
- Darius Garland's debut with Clippers remains delayed.
- Nuggets welcome back Nikola Jokic despite Gordon and Watson's absence.
The Los Angeles Clippers are set to face the Denver Nuggets in their first game after the All-Star break, marking the beginning of their final 28 regular-season contests. This matchup is a crucial opportunity for the Clippers to gain ground in the standings, as they currently trail the eighth-seed Golden State Warriors by 2.5 games.
Adding to their challenges, the Clippers continue to be shorthanded. New acquisition Darius Garland has not yet made his debut and is expected to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future, with a potential return in March. Bradley Beal is out for the remainder of the season.
The Denver Nuggets are also dealing with injuries, ruling out Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson due to hamstring issues. However, the Nuggets are bolstered by the return of Nikola Jokic, who is off the injury report after recovering from a knee injury. His presence is vital as the 35-20 Nuggets prepare for the season's final stretch.
Despite the Nuggets' injury concerns in the frontcourt, the Clippers' defensive strategy against Kawhi Leonard may be tested, as key defenders Watson and Gordon will be absent. This matchup's outcome could significantly impact playoff positioning for both teams.
