The Los Angeles Clippers play the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Clippers head to Target Center to face off against their Western Conference rivals the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. It will undoubtedly be a tough matchup for the 6-17 Clippers, who looked to be gaining some momentum with a two-game win streak that has since been snapped by a loss to the Utah Jazz.
Not that the Clippers needed any more disadvantages against the Timberwolves, who hold a 14-8 record and score the sixth-most points per game of any team in the NBA, but it's made even worse for the Clippers considering that Minnesota will be at full strength while Los Angeles is still contending with several long term or even season ending injuries.
The Clippers do have the benefit of Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac and James Harden being available, even if the depth around them has worn thin, but there's still a heavy task ahead.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles past Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn ImagesClippers Injury Report
Bogdan Bogdanović (hip) is PROBABLE for Saturday's game. Bogdanović hasn't played since Nov. 20 due to a hip contusion, but it appears he's finally recovered enough to make his return to the court to give the Clippers some much needed support at the guard position.
Jordan Miller (back) is OUT for Saturday's game as he continues to manage the back injury that has plagued him since Nov. 16. Miller last played for the Clippers on Dec. 1, but has landed himself back on the injured list since then.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) passes against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn ImagesDerrick Jones Jr. (knee) remains OUT for Saturday. Jones Jr. has been out since Nov. 16 with a MCL sprain, and is in the third week of his estimated six week recovery period.
Bradley Beal (hip) is OUT for the remainder of the season with a hip fracture.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) defends against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) in the second quarter at Target Center. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn ImagesChris Paul (not with team) is OUT. Since being released by the Clippers, Paul is not with the team and will not be available for any games until the Clippers either trade him after Dec. 15 or buyout the remainder of his contract. An outright retirement is also in the cards for Paul if he doesn't wish to finish out the season with another team.
Timberwolves Injury Report
Minnesota will be working at full strength health-wise for Saturday's game and only have two players on two-way contracts listed on their report.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates his three-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers with guard Mike Conley (10) late in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn ImagesEnrique Freeman (two-way) is OUT for Saturday as he is with the Iowa Wolves of the G-League.
Rocco Zikarsky (two-way) is also OUT for Saturday and with the Wolves.