James Harden and the LA Clippers have been fairly successful this season. Considering the amount of talent that exists on their roster, the Clippers could potentially win it all. However, they have not displayed that championship potential in their last two games. LA is coming off a two-game losing streak, one of which came against their upcoming opponents.
Tyronn Lue on the Los Angeles Clippers’ identify after losing to Indiana, as they’re now 1-9 against winning teams since the 2024 NBA All-Star break:
“WE’RE SOFT. That’s our identity.”
Clippers are now 44-27, 5th in the West. New Orleans is now 4th.
Thoughts? 🤔
Via.… pic.twitter.com/2RPPP9imPp
— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) March 26, 2024
The Philadelphia 76ers were all set to host the Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center. After an impressive win against the Clippers, the Sixers failed to secure a victory against the Sacramento Kings. They have taken a lot of damage since Joel Embiid’s exit and they currently rank 8th in the Eastern Conference. Philly was initially a title contender from the East but now they’ve slipped into the Play-In berths.
James Harden is available to start for the Sixers vs Clippers game
James Harden has made consistent appearances for the Clippers averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game as a starter. A good sign is that the Clippers have gone 40-24 with him in the lineup. He will be available to compete with Russell Westbrook who recently returned from a fractured hand.
Welcome back Russell Westbrook 💯 pic.twitter.com/fG9qRsln6C
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) March 26, 2024
LA Clippers Injury Report:
- Jordan Miller (Out)
- Moussa Diabate (Out)
LA Clippers Expected Lineup:
- James Harden
- Terance Mann
- Paul George
- Kawhi Leonard
- Ivica Zubac
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report:
- Robert Covington (Out)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (Questionable)
- Joel Embiid (Out)
- De’Anthony Melton (Out)
Philadelphia 76ers Expected Lineup:
- Tyrese Maxey
- Kyle Lowry
- Buddy Hield
- Tobias Harris
- Mo Bamba
#Sixers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers with left shoulder soreness. pic.twitter.com/hsOS2ogbIY
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) March 27, 2024
Obviously, losing Embiid was the worst thing that could’ve happened to the Sixers, and it did. Without him, the Sixers have maintained a 13-25 record. Losing Embiid is one thing but losing players like Covington and Oubre Jr. to injuries could be worse. Both individuals play a major role in defense and perimeter shooting.
James Harden and the Clippers are favored to win against the Sixers
The Clippers are far more dangerous than the Sixers in terms of talent. In their previous meeting, the Sixers bench performed significantly better than the Clippers’ second unit. They were able to produce more numbers offensively. But that wasn’t the only issue, the Clippers lacked defense as well.
Maxey looking like James Harden in this clip 👀
pic.twitter.com/nBvPZaiUQS— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) March 26, 2024
Hopefully, the Clippers won’t let history repeat itself with Russell Westbrook back in the picture. Westbrook averages 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists along with 1.1 steals per game coming off the bench. Having said this, LA will be quite hard to deal with considering they have all their veterans there to facilitate every play. LA has the upper hand this time.