Kawhi Leonard, James Harden headline long injury report for Clippers vs. Bulls

The Los Angeles Clippers, fresh off a dominant win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, pull off a back-to-back quick turnaround against the visiting Chicago Bulls. But the team might be a little short. Both Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden appeared on the team’s injury report for their Bulls matchup, according to ClutchPoints Clippers reporter Tomer Azarly.

Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out of the Clippers’ injury report, while James Harden is listed as probable against the Bulls on Monday.

With Leonard recently returned from a knee injury, and he is on a minutes restriction and so far he has not played in a single match. Harden was originally listed on the Clippers’ injury report against the Lakers as questionable (illness), but was able to play.

In addition to Leonard, Ivica Zubac was also sent off against the Bulls. Zubac, who had put in a dominant performance against his original team, was apparently hit in the eye. Norman Powell and Kris Dunn are both questionable, with Nicolas Batum listed as probable. Powell and Dunn were also initially questionable for the Lakers game.

The Clippers are off to a solid start to the 2024-25 season

Despite losing an All-Star-caliber player in Paul George during free agency in the offseason, the Clippers have maintained their status as one of the better teams in the Western Conference.

With Leonard out to start the season and George to the Philadelphia 76ers, it was Norman Powell who had his own All-Star campaign.

Powell appeared in 34 games for the Clippers, averaging just over 32 minutes per game. He averaged 23.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 49.3 percent from the field, 44.6 percent from the three-point line and 83.1 percent from the field. from the free throw line.

The Clippers have also been among the NBA’s elite defensive teams this season, boosted by the arrival of assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy as well as Derrick Jones Jr. and Chris Dunn.

And they were driven early by Harden’s steady influence and presence on the court. Harden appeared in 39 games, with just over 33 minutes per game. He averaged 21.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 39.7 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from the three-point line and 88.7 percent from the free throw line.

While Harden’s shooting percentage may not be great, the fact that he continues to draw so much attention on defense opens things up for everyone else on the court.