Mavericks vs. Clippers Preview and Injury Update: These games used to mean something The Dallas Mavericks (23-47) host the Los Angeles Clippers (34-36) in a matchup Saturday night at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks enter the game after a two-day break following a home loss to the Atlanta Hawks, while the Clippers have struggled in their recent stretch, dropping four consecutive games including a defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans. The outcome of this contest could be pivotal for both teams as they aim to regain momentum. The Mavericks’ injury report is relatively clean, though some key players remain uncertain. Brandon Williams is sidelined with a concussion, and Caleb Martin is questionable due to a heel contusion. The two-way contract players are also listed as questionable, with their availability likely to be determined closer to game time. Despite these concerns, the team’s roster appears largely intact, which raises questions about their strategic approach given their current standings. For the Clippers, the primary concern centers around their star player, Kawhi Leonard. He is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain, and his participation will be critical to the team’s chances. Benedict Mathurin is out with a toe injury, leaving the Clippers reliant on their depth. The analysis suggests that if Leonard is able to play, the Clippers are strong favorites to win. However, if he sits out, the Mavericks may seize the opportunity to secure a victory. Leonard’s recent performance has been a key factor in the Clippers’ success, with his ability to dominate in high-pressure moments making him a game-changer. Dallas fans are well aware of his potential to shift momentum in favor of their team when he’s at his best.#los_angeles_clippers #dallas_mavericks #kawhi_leonard #american_airlines_center #cooper_flagg
San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Clippers injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 16, 2026) The San Antonio Spurs will face the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on March 16, 2026. The Spurs enter the game with a 49-18 record, securing a strong position in the Western Conference standings. The Clippers, at 34-33, remain in the playoff race but have faced challenges due to injuries affecting their rotation. Player availability is expected to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the matchup. For the Spurs, two key players are sidelined. David Jones is out for the season due to a season-ending ankle injury, while Luke Kornet is also out with a knee issue. The rest of the starting rotation, including Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle, is expected to be available for the game. Wembanyama, in particular, will be a focal point for San Antonio, as he leads the team in rebounding with 11.2 boards per game and averages 24.3 points. The Clippers face more injury concerns. Kawhi Leonard is listed as day-to-day with a left ankle sprain, having left a recent game early. His availability is uncertain, and if he misses the matchup, Los Angeles will rely more on Bennedict Mathurin, who averages 15.1 points per game. Bradley Beal is out for the season with a hip injury, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser is also sidelined for the year due to a foot injury. Team performance metrics highlight the Spurs’ dominance in key categories. San Antonio ranks fourth in scoring at 118.8 points per game and seventh in defensive efficiency, allowing 111.8 points per game. The team also leads the league in rebounding with 46.5 boards per game, contributing to a +7.0 point differential.#san_antonio_spurs #victor_wembanyama #kawhi_leonard #intuit_dome #los_angelas_clippers
Clippers Linked to Shocking Kawhi Leonard Trade With East Contender The Los Angeles Clippers are navigating a turbulent period regarding their star forward Kawhi Leonard, as rumors swirl about a potential trade that could reshape the team’s future. Leonard, who has faced off-court scrutiny due to an ongoing NBA investigation into his contract, is at the center of discussions about a possible move. The Clippers’ recent roster adjustments ahead of the trade deadline have fueled speculation about a broader rebuild. Before the deadline, the Clippers traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and sent Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers. In exchange, they acquired younger players like Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, along with draft picks. These moves have been interpreted as steps toward a long-term rebuild, though the team has yet to officially confirm any plans to trade Leonard. New reports suggest the Clippers could be in talks with the Detroit Pistons for a blockbuster deal involving Leonard. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposed a trade that would send Leonard to Detroit in exchange for Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, Ron Halland, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2031 first-round pick swap. Bailey argued that this deal would provide the Clippers with valuable shooting, young talent, and multiple draft assets, positioning them to compete for a playoff spot as early as next season. For the Pistons, acquiring Leonard would bolster their already strong roster, pairing him with rookie Jalen Duren and potential star Jalen Hurts. Bailey noted that Leonard’s elite scoring ability could elevate the Pistons from a playoff contender to a favorite in the Eastern Conference. Leonard’s performance this season has been stellar, with him averaging 27.9 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.#los_angeles_clippers #james_harden #kawhi_leonard #detroit_pistons #duncan_robinson
Four-player trade that sends Kawhi Leonard to Pistons A hypothetical offseason trade has been proposed that would send Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland, and future draft assets. The deal, outlined by Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report, would place Leonard with the Pistons, who are currently the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The trade could only occur during the summer since the NBA trade deadline has already passed. Leonard, a seven-time NBA All-Star, remains a top-tier player despite turning 35 in June. He continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. The veteran forward, who has been with the Clippers since 2019, is an LA native and has been a key figure for the team. However, the Clippers have been exploring roster changes, with several teams reportedly interested in acquiring Leonard ahead of the trade deadline, including the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers. In Bailey’s proposal, Leonard’s arrival in Detroit would provide significant defensive support for Cade Cunningham, potentially reducing his playmaking burden and improving his efficiency. For the Clippers, the trade would mark a major shift toward a new era, following the departure of James Harden and Ivica Zubac earlier in the season. The team appears to be undergoing a roster reset, with the trade signaling a potential departure from its previous structure. The deal also highlights the ongoing speculation surrounding Leonard’s future. While he has been loosely linked to the Los Angeles Lakers amid the Aspiration scandal, the current rumors appear to be speculative.#los_angeles_clippers #kawhi_leonard #detroit_pistons #isaias_stewart #duncan_robinson
The Blockbuster NBA Trade That Would Change the League Overnight Working out a hypothetical NBA trade in March is challenging. We are a month past the trade deadline, and the outcome of the championship remains uncertain. The league’s investigation into potential cap violations involving Kawhi Leonard adds another layer of uncertainty. These factors make it difficult to predict the exact impact of a trade, but let’s explore a scenario where Kawhi Leonard is sent to the Detroit Pistons. Assuming the Pistons and Clippers fail to win the title in June, Detroit is willing to renounce its summer cap holds on Tobias Harris and Kevin Huerter. The team also plans to sign Jalen Duren to a new contract. Additionally, the $50.3 million owed to Kawhi remains tradable in July. Under these conditions, adding Leonard to Duren and Cade Cunningham would dramatically shift the league’s dynamics. The Pistons, currently competing with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the league, have a strong foundation with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. However, both players are under 25 and have yet to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs. Recent NBA history shows that teams rarely transition from a single playoff run to a championship in a single season. Detroit’s struggles in halfcourt execution—ranking 18th in points per play and near the bottom in three-point percentage—highlight the need for improvement. A trade for Leonard could address these weaknesses by providing a veteran presence to complement Cunningham’s growth. Leonard’s addition would pair him with Cade Cunningham, creating a formidable one-two punch. This combination mirrors the Clippers’ previous success before the James Harden trade, while also giving Cunningham a high-volume finisher.#clippers #oklahoma_city_thunder #kawhi_leonard #detroit_pistons #cade_cunningham
Collin Sexton and Leonard Miller Set to Start Thursday Collin Sexton and Leonard Miller are scheduled to start in Thursday’s game, according to the latest updates. The roster adjustments reflect the team’s strategic planning for the upcoming matchup. Victor Wembanyama is expected to be available for the game against the Pacers, marking his return to action after a period of recovery. Kawhi Leonard is also set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, following his recent rehabilitation. Draymond Green has been cleared to play in Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, adding depth to the team’s lineup. De’Anthony Melton is also expected to participate in Saturday’s contest, while Jalen Johnson remains sidelined due to injury. Alperen Sengun will take part in the game against the Miami Heat, providing a key offensive presence. Kristaps Porzingis, however, is ruled out for Saturday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Jaylon Tyson has been ruled out for the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, which could impact the team’s defensive strategy. Donovan Mitchell is available for Saturday’s game against the Pelicans, offering a reliable scoring option. Austin Reaves is also cleared to play in Saturday’s contest, further strengthening the team’s options. The updates highlight the team’s efforts to manage player availability and optimize performance for key matchups. Coaches are likely to adjust lineups based on these decisions, ensuring the best possible preparation for each game. The information is part of real-time fantasy news, providing insights for fans and analysts tracking player readiness.#victor_wembanyama #kawhi_leonard #leonard_miller #collin_sexton #draymond_green
Darius Garland made his long-awaited debut with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, marking a significant moment in his career. The former Cleveland guard, who was acquired as part of the trade that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributed 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes during a victory over the Golden State Warriors. Garland had been sidelined since January 14 due to a toe injury, and his return was met with optimism from teammates and fans alike. Garland expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his recovery, stating, “Just getting adjusted—getting adjusted to L.A., getting to know the guys. Getting to know the staff, everybody around the organization, and just trying to get back to me. Getting healthy—training staff been with me a lot and doing a lot of work. So I really appreciate them, just getting me back to this point. Yeah, man, it’s good getting out there with the guys for sure. Especially getting a win, my first win with the Clips. It’s a blessing.” His comments highlighted both his personal progress and the team’s success in securing a win. Kawhi Leonard, a key figure in the Clippers’ roster, expressed confidence in Garland’s ability to contribute to the team’s dynamics. Leonard emphasized Garland’s competitive nature and his potential to elevate the team’s play. “Number one, just competitive nature,” Leonard said. “But every situation is different. So from Darius, we’re looking at him to get us involved, get him some shots. Pushing the pace in transition for us. And just getting everybody involved and calling sets so we’re not stagnant at times. So I think he’s able to do that. He’s an All-Star player. Just looking forward to playing more basketball with him. More minutes, as he ramps up to playing 30-plus minutes per game.#los_angeles_clippers #kawhi_leonard #darius_garland #tyronn_lue #raynaud
Darius Garland Makes Clippers Debut with Strong Performance Darius Garland made his long-awaited debut with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, marking a significant moment in his career. The former Cleveland guard, who was acquired by the Clippers as part of the trade that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributed 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes during a win over the Golden State Warriors. Garland had been sidelined since January 14 due to a toe injury, and his return was highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. Garland expressed his excitement about rejoining the game and adapting to his new team. “Just getting adjusted,” he said, according to The Athletic’s Law Murray. “Getting adjusted to L.A., getting to know the guys. Getting to know the staff, everybody around the organization, and just trying to get back to me. Getting healthy — training staff been with me a lot and doing a lot of work. So I really appreciate them, just getting me back to this point. Yeah, man, it’s good getting out there with the guys for sure. Especially getting a win, my first win with the Clips. It’s a blessing.” Kawhi Leonard, a key player for the Clippers, shared his thoughts on Garland’s potential impact. “Number one, just competitive nature,” Leonard said, highlighting the qualities Garland brings to the point guard position. “But every situation is different. So from Darius, we’re looking at him to get us involved, get him some shots. Pushing the pace in transition for us. And just getting everybody involved and calling sets so we’re not stagnant at times. So I think he’s able to do that. He’s an All-Star player. Just looking forward to playing more basketball with him. More minutes, as he ramps up to playing 30-plus minutes per game.#los_angeles_clippers #kawhi_leonard #darius_garland #tyronn_lue #james_hardened
Darius Garland eases into Clippers debut, then helps lead comeback win Darius Garland, who hadn’t played since January 14 due to toe injuries on both feet, faced a challenging start to his Los Angeles Clippers debut. The former two-time All-Star, traded for James Harden on February 4, came off the bench for the first time in nearly five years while under a minutes restriction. In the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, Garland struggled with defensive pressure, losing the ball to Moses Moody, Al Horford, and Nate Williams. “Yeah, I wasn’t expecting to get a blitz after a month off,” Garland said postgame, his legs submerged in ice water. “But Steve Kerr always got something up under his sleeve.” After a scoreless first quarter, Garland found his rhythm in the second half. A key moment came when he used a Brook Lopez screen to hit a pull-up 3-pointer, which he later described as a turning point. “I was like ‘All right, I think I knocked the cobwebs off a little bit,’” he said. The Clippers, trailing 56-42 at halftime, outscored the Warriors 72-45 in the second half, including a 40-14 advantage in the paint, to secure an 114-101 victory. Garland finished with 12 points, two assists, and a steal in 23 minutes, overcoming five turnovers to help the Clippers outscore the Warriors by 5 points in his minutes. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue noted that the Warriors’ defensive adjustments initially hindered Garland’s effectiveness. “In the second half, the adjustment was just single pick, middle of the floor, let him go either way, let him operate,” Lue said. “That’s what really turned him loose.” Lue used Garland to enhance bench lineups featuring newcomers Bennedict Mathurin and Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, as well as rookie Jordan Miller.#los_angeles_clippers #kawhi_leonard #darius_garland #steve_kerr #tyronn_lue
Clippers vs. Warriors Prediction, Odds, and Line for Monday, March 2, 2026 The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors will face off in a pivotal NBA matchup on Monday, March 2, 2026, as both teams battle for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The game, set for 10 p.m. ET at the Chase Center in San Francisco, will feature the Clippers, who are 28-31 overall and 18-18 against conference opponents, looking to build on their 137-117 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. The Warriors, with a 31-29 record and a 21-18 mark against Western Conference foes, will be without key players Stephen Curry (knee), Will Richardson (ankle), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) after a 129-101 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Darius Garland, acquired by the Clippers in January from the Cleveland Cavaliers, is set to make his debut for Los Angeles. The Warriors, meanwhile, will rely on their home-court advantage, where they are 19-12 this season. The Clippers are listed as a 1.5-point favorite in the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under for total points set at 2165.5. The Warriors hold an all-time series edge of 139-103, but the teams have split their games this season. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has a strong track record of NBA betting success, has simulated the matchup 10,000 times. The model predicts the Over (2165.5) will hit, citing a strong history of over performances in recent games for both teams. The Clippers are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 contests, while the Warriors are 3-7 ATS in the same span. The model also projects Kawhi Leonard to score 24.7 points for the Clippers, with four teammates contributing 10.4 points or more. For the Warriors, De’Anthony Melton is expected to tally 18.#los_angeles_clippers #kawhi_leonard #darius_garland #golden_state_warriors #chase_center
Darius Garland Participates in Full Practice Ahead of Game Darius Garland took part in all aspects of practice on Tuesday, February 28, 2026, according to the team’s update. The report noted that Garland will have additional 5-on-5 drills later in the day but is listed as out for the upcoming game. Head coach Tyronn Lue was absent from practice due to personal reasons, while star player Kawhi Leonard missed the session due to illness. Leonard’s status for the next game remains questionable, with the team monitoring his condition. John Collins also participated in practice but is considered questionable for the following game. The team’s update highlights the varying availability of key players ahead of the scheduled matchup. The practice session provided insight into the team’s preparation, with Garland’s full participation signaling potential readiness for the upcoming contest. However, the absence of several key players, including Leonard and Lue, raises questions about the team’s strategy and depth in the coming days. The report underscores the challenges of managing player health and availability, particularly with high-stakes games on the horizon. While Garland’s participation offers a positive sign, the team will need to address the potential impact of Leonard’s absence and Collins’ uncertain status. As the team prepares for the next game, the focus will likely shift to how they adapt to the current roster limitations and whether they can maintain competitive momentum despite the setbacks. The situation reflects the unpredictable nature of sports, where player availability can significantly influence outcomes.#team #kawhi_leonard #darius_garland #tyronn_lue #john_collins
