The LA Clippers have hit a snag coming out of the All-Star break, going 5-6 since. In what was their third time blowing a double-digit lead since the break, the Clippers surrendered to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who snapped a two-game losing streak with a comfortable 118-100 win. Despite holding a commanding 57-35 lead midway through the second quarter, the Clippers lost control in the second half of the game. They also blew a 21-point lead against their co-tenants, the Lakers, on Feb. 28 and a 13-point lead against the Bucks on Mar. 4. To add to their woes, injuries keep piling up one after another on the team.

During Tuesday’s loss, Kawhi Leonard left the game early after the first quarter due to back spams. As per coach Ty Lue, Leonard might miss the upcoming road trip to Chicago and New Orleans. This comes after Russell Westbrook’s hand injury, which will keep him out for an extended period. Meanwhile, James Harden is battling with a shoulder injury of his own. While he was at risk of missing his first game against the Bucks, he was cleared to play come game time. However, when the Clippers beat writer Tomer Azarly asked him whether he’d take a game or two off to recover, Harden responded, “We’ll see tomorrow how I feel.”

The Clippers will face the Bulls next after defeating them 112-102 in their first encounter of the season. If the Clippers decide to rest Harden, it will be his first since joining the team mid-season after forcing his way out of Philly. Harden has played 59 consecutive games this season, and maybe a day off would do him and the team some good.

James Harden can’t afford a slip-up

The James Harden era in LA got off to a rocky start, as the Clippers endured a winless streak of 0-6 following the trade. However, with Russell Westbrook volunteering to come off the bench and Harden adapting to his point guard role, the team soon climbed from outside the play-in to all the way to the top of the conference at one point. Harden has settled in as a reliable third-scoring option behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Over his last ten games, he’s averaging 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. However, with Russ ruled out and Leonard’s new injury setback, The Beard needs to increase his offensive output to keep the team afloat through the challenging stretch run.

Tuesday’s game offered a glimpse into what the team would look like, bereft of two of their All-Stars. Harden only made 10 shot attempts, finishing the game with 12 points, two rebounds, and seven assists. While the Clippers are still fourth in the Western Conference, they need to find their rhythm again to avoid slipping during the final stretch of the season.

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