The Los Angeles Clippers won't see their new trade acquisitions debut on Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Los Angeles Clippers made some massive changes to their roster, parting ways with both James Harden and Ivica Zubac in several deals in order to improve the youth of their roster. However, without control of their own first-round pick until 2030, there's no reason for the Clippers not to try to be competitive.
After suffering back-to-back losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers, the Clippers will look to turn that around with back-to-back wins on Sunday when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Coming off a narrow 114-111 victory over the Sacramento Kings, the Clippers will be shorthanded on Sunday.
Clippers Injury Report
The Clippers will be without all three of their new trade acquisitions on Sunday, as Bennedict Mathurin (trade pending), Isaiah Jackson (trade pending), and Darius Garland (right toe) are all ruled OUT.
Mathurin and Jackson could debut for the Clippers before the All-Star break, as they'll have two more chances to do so during their two-game stretch in Houston. As for Garland, he isn't expected back till after the break, as he last appeared on January 14th in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
The other name listed for the Clippers is Bradley Beal, as the former All-Star was ruled OUT for the season earlier this year with a left hip fracture. Beal did sign a two-year deal with a $5.6 million player option for next season, and could very well accept that if he feels the Clippers have a role for him in 2026-27.
Timberwolves Injury Report
As for the Timberwolves, they will be without two of their two-way players in Johnny Juzang and Rocco Zikarsky, as both have been ruled OUT for Sunday's contest.
Terrence Shannon Jr. also joins them as OUT, as he continues to deal with a left foot injury that has held him out since the end of December.
While the Clippers won't get to see their new players debut, the Timberwolves will, as Julian Phillips is listed as AVAILABLE with a right wrist sprain, and Ayo Dosunmu is not listed, meaning he will suit up for the Timberwolves.
It's uncertain what, if any, role Phillips will have for the Timberwolves, but Dosunmu will be able to make a case for being the seventh man or even a starter on this team. A player who brings it on both ends, the Clippers could have their hands full.
Tip-off in Minnesota is set for 3:00 p.m. EST, as the final game to tip off on Sunday before the Super Bowl.