Bogdanovic returns, but the Clippers are without a crucial piece on Sunday.
The Los Angeles Clippers are dealing with a mixed bag on the injury front as they prepare to face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night, with some good news and some bad news hitting the team at the same time.
The good news is that Bogdan Bogdanovic is finally available to return from his left hamstring injury and will be ready to suit up against Phoenix.
Even better for Los Angeles fans is the fact that Kawhi Leonard has been completely removed from the injury report after being listed as questionable for several consecutive games due to a left knee contusion.
However, the Clippers will be without James Harden tonight due to personal reasons, dealing a significant blow to their backcourt.
Leonard Will Need to Carry the Load Without Harden
Leonard has been playing through the knee issue for weeks now and has still managed to average 27.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this season while shooting 49.6 percent from the field.
With Harden sidelined, Leonard will need to shoulder even more of the offensive burden against a tough Suns defense.
This is the second time this season that Harden has missed a game against Phoenix due to personal reasons, as he also sat out the team's November 6 matchup with the Suns.
Harden has been averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while carrying a massive workload this season, so his absence will be felt on both ends of the floor.
Los Angeles sits at 22-25 and is holding the 10th seed in the Western Conference after turning their campaign around in dramatic fashion.
The Clippers were struggling early in the year with a 6-21 record at one point, but they have won 16 of their last 20 games to climb back into playoff contention.
Bogdanovic Returns at the Perfect Time
Bogdanovic has been sidelined since December 26 when he left a game against the Portland Trail Blazers with left hip tightness that turned into a lingering hamstring issue.
He completed a successful rehab stint practicing with the San Diego Clippers in the G League before being cleared to return, and the veteran sharpshooter should give head coach Tyronn Lue another capable offensive weapon off the bench.
Getting Bogdanovic back adds more shooting punch to a rotation that will desperately need it with Harden unavailable tonight.
Derrick Jones Jr. continues to be sidelined with a right knee sprain as well.
Can the Clippers Overcome Harden's Absence?
The Suns enter Sunday's game with a 30-19 record and are riding a three-game winning streak despite dealing with injuries to multiple key players including star guard Devin Booker, who is out with an ankle sprain.
Phoenix has been one of the best home teams in the league this season with a 17-6 record at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
Los Angeles has lost two of its three matchups against Phoenix this season, so getting Leonard healthy and Bogdanovic back could be exactly what the Clippers need to get back on track after dropping their last game to the Denver Nuggets.
Without Harden running the offense, guys like Kris Dunn and Kobe Sanders will need to step up while Leonard carries the scoring load.
Los Angeles has proven they can compete with anyone, but tonight they will need to show they can win without their best playmaker.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST on Sunday.