Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics are out for blood this season. And things are about to get far more competitive by the second half of the season. After maintaining a five-game win streak the Celtics fell short of a victory against the Golden State Warriors. However, they recently managed to defeat a tougher competitor from the Western Conference. They currently rank first in the Eastern Conference with 21 wins and 6 losses.
Go to work then KP 😤 pic.twitter.com/436pCnCgaY
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 21, 2023
The Los Angeles Clippers are next in line to take on the Celtics. LA is beginning to look like serious title contenders, and Tyronn Lue is excellently coaching them. The Clippers went on a nine-game win streak before losing in their previous game. They currently rank fifth in the West with a record of 17 wins and 11 losses. They will host the Celtics at the Crypto.com Arena.
Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for the Clippers vs. Celtics game
Jayson Tatum has been having yet another outstanding season averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Unfortunately, he is listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to an ankle injury. Svi Mykhailiuk (listed as questionable) is currently dealing with a left heel contusion. Luke Kornet (adductor) and Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) will be sidelined.
The Clippers are expecting Kawhi Leonard to be seated out of the game due to a hip injury. Moussa Diabate (hip) will remain away from the team for the time being. Mason Plumlee (knee) has made some progress and can jog without any ailment. Joshua Primo, the Clippers’ newest member is listed as day-to-day.
Count it, Russ 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/S3mBiMIlpD
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 22, 2023
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report:
- Moussa Diabate (Out)
- Kawhi Leonard (Questionable)
- Joshua Primo (Day-to-Day)
- Mason Plumlee (Out)
Los Angeles Clippers Expected Lineup:
- James Harden
- Terance Mann
- Paul George
- PJ Tucker
- Ivica Zubac
Boston Celtics Injury Report:
- Svi Mykhailiuk (Questionable)
- Luke Kornet (Out)
- Jayson Tatum (Questionable)
- Kristaps Porzingis (Out)
Boston Celtics Expected Lineup:
- Jrue Holiday
- Derrick White
- Jayden Brown
- Al Horford
- Neemias Queta
Will the Clippers succeed against the Celtics without Kawhi Leonard?
Jayson Tatum is a critical piece when the Celtics are on the floor. He is known for being a specialist on both sides of the court. So with him and Porzingis out of the lineup, things will be a little tough for the Celtics. However, they still have the offense to lead them to a victory. Brown and White are very capable of scoring well.
REALLY Different 🔨 pic.twitter.com/BvdDAUTA0x
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 21, 2023
However, their offense without Tatum and Porzingis is much weaker than what Harden and George will be able to produce for the Clippers. Harden has been averaging a consistent 17.4 points per game while George puts up 22.8 points per game. The Clippers are one of the best teams offensively. And the Celtics happen to be one of the best defensive teams. But with their key players injured, the Clippers may win this.