The Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Hornets both enter Saturday’s matchup at Spectrum Center with significant injury concerns that could impact rotations and strategies.
The Clippers will be without Bradley Beal (left hip fracture), Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee sprain), Kawhi Leonard (right ankle sprain), and Jordan Miller (left hamstring).
Charlotte also struggles with absences, as Josh Green (left shoulder surgery) and Grant Williams (right knee surgery) are out, while Sion James is probable with left groin soreness and Tre Mann is questionable due to a left ankle issue. Tidjane Salaun will be unavailable after being assigned to the G League.
Both teams are 4-11 this season, making Saturday’s game a pivotal opportunity to break a losing skid. The Clippers have lost their last two games, falling 101-129 at Orlando on November 20 and 108-110 at Philadelphia on November 17. Charlotte has similarly dropped two straight, losing 118-127 at Indiana on November 19 and 108-110 at Toronto on November 17.
Los Angeles will rely on James Harden to lead offensively, averaging 26.5 points and 8.6 assists per game. Ivica Zubac contributes 15.9 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest, while John Collins adds 11.7 points.
The Hornets will look to Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball to carry the load, with Bridges averaging 22.3 points and 6.9 rebounds, while Ball adds 21.6 points and 9.6 assists per game. Rookie Kon Knueppel contributes 18.3 points and Collin Sexton 15.2 points, providing secondary scoring for Charlotte. Moussa Diabaté leads the team on the boards with 8.2 rebounds per game.
Game time is set for 1:00 PM ET at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
