Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard's availability is in question for Wednesday's contest against the Washington Wizards
Since their loss on December 18th to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Clippers have turned over a new leaf. They have gone 10-2 since then, and they'll ride their three-game winning streak into Wednesday's matchup at home against the Washington Wizards.
There hasn't been much to root for with the Wizards this season, except for the excitement young players like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George have created. Recently, the team made a move to acquire Trae Young, but it doesn't seem like his time with the Wizards will be starting just yet. With the Wizards riding a three-game losing streak, these two teams are on opposite spectrums.
Clippers Injury Report
The Clippers have five players listed as OUT for Wednesday's contest, that being Bradley Beal (hip), Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring), Derrick Jones Jr. (knee), Chris Paul (not with team), and Ivica Zubac (ankle).
Beal has already been ruled out for the season, while Paul is not expected to return to the team this season. As for Jones, he returned from injury, then suffered another multi-week injury, and Bogdanovic doesn't have a clear timeline for when he could return.
Zubac appeared in six games for the Clippers after a five-game absence, averaging 11.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Back down with an injury on Wednesday, the Clippers will look to Brook Lopez, who had some strong nights in Zubac's absence.
The most important name is Kawhi Leonard, as the Clippers' leading scorer at 28.1 points per game, is listed as QUESTIONABLE with a right ankle sprain. Leonard dealt with injuries at the beginning of the season, missing 10-straight games in November, but has been healthy since then.
If Leonard isn't able to go, the Clippers will need everything they can get from James Harden and John Collins offensively.
Wizards Injury Report
The Wizards' injury report isn't too much, with their two-way players Sharife Cooper and Jamir Watkins listed as OUT. In addition, Cam Whitmore is OUT due to deep vein thrombosis, and Trae Young is OUT as well with an MCL sprain in his right knee.
According to a report from Wednesday, Young likely won't return till after the All-Star break.
Game Preview
Even though the Wizards have just 10 wins on the season, it's not like the Clippers are light-years ahead of them at 16-23. Especially if Leonard isn't able to go, the Wizards still have a team capable of pulling off an upset in LA.
Tip-off at the Intuit Dome is set for 10:30 p.m. EST.