The Los Angeles Clippers will go head-to-head against the Chicago Bulls tonight. The Bulls will pose a tough challenge for Kawhi Leonard and Co, with Chicago coming off a huge overtime win over the Pacers. To add to the Clippers’ problems, their starting guard, James Harden, has been ruled out of tonight’s game due to a shoulder strain.

Harden has been dealing with shoulder issues for a few days and has been on the injury report twice in the last three games. While many are speculating that he is missing tonight’s game to take some time off, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue cleared the air. “He’s not really taking a game off. He’s experiencing some things,” Lue said in the pre-game interview. He also revealed how much missing games hurts the former MVP, “It hurts him and pains him to do that because he wants to play every night.”

Tonight’s Bulls clash will be Harden’s first missed game since joining the Clippers. Before getting ruled out tonight, Harden had played 59 consecutive games having been traded from the Sixers last November. That is his longest playing streak since 2017 when he was still playing for the Rockets. The Clippers, more so, will miss Harden in tonight’s game because he has been their primary ball-handler all season. Fortunately, Kawhi Leonard will be available to make up for Harden’s absence, giving the Clippers a glimmer of hope. Kawhi had left mid-way during the last game due to thoracic spasms.

James Harden stats in last 10 outings

James Harden has been key in the Clippers’ success this season. He is averaging 17.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. Harden’s offensive prowess has helped the Clippers maintain a 41-23 record, occupying the 4th spot in the Western Conference standings. However, the former MVP has seen a significant drop in efficiency since returning from the All-Star break. In the last 10 games, Harden is averaging 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. Although his numbers are higher than his season average, Harden’s field goal percentage has dropped from 45 to 41 since the All-Star break.

6’8 ‘Another Wembanyama’ Instills Fear Into Clippers’ All-Star After Witnessing the 7’5 ‘Alien’ in the NBA

Harden has been a liability on defense for the Clippers. They are 23 points worse defensively with him on the floor due to his 2.6 turnovers per game. However, the Clippers will still miss The Beard in his absence because of what he brings on offense. Since the All-Star break, the Clippers offense has plummeted to team-worst 106.8 points per 100 possessions without Harden on the floor. Hopefully, Harden can recover from his injury soon and return for tomorrow’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Trending

Draymond Green Drops Harsh Criticism on Jalen Brunson, Suggests the Only Way Knicks Can Salvage Playoff Series vs 76ers

May 02, 2024 03:22 PM EDT

Savannah James Will Not Let 9YO Zhuri Follow Women’s Fashion Liberation: “Only So Far I Would Go”

April 30, 2024 06:06 PM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

“Kissing & Hugging Too Much”: Charles Barkley Claims Michael Jordan Had No Friends, Warns Anthony Edwards of Tough Future

April 30, 2024 07:00 AM EDT

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us