Clippers vs Hawks: Will James Harden Play Tonight?

Published 03/17/2024, 11:35 AM EDT

After a strong first half of the season that propelled them to a fourth position in the West, the Los Angeles Clippers have now fallen prey to the injury bug. Amid Russell Westbrook’s left-hand fracture, Kawhi Leonard’s thoracic spasms, and Paul George’s left knee soreness, the Clippers have suffered yet another injury setback with James Harden’s shoulder strain. Harden has maintained a relatively clean bill of health this season, playing 59 consecutive games since his trade to LA before missing his last two. The Clippers are 1-1 in Harden’s absence, including a humbling 112-104 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. However, Harden might return to action tonight to help the Clippers shake off the loss when the team faces the Atlanta Hawks tonight.

James Harden has now been upgraded to a game-time decision for the St. Patrick’s Day game at the crypto.com Arena. However, if the Los Angeles Clippers decide to rest him for a third straight game, Bones Hyland could replace The Beard in the starting lineup. Harden has been crucial to the Clippers’ success this season, averaging 17.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 44.2% from the field and 40.3% from the three-point range as their primary ball-handler. Moreover, the Clippers’ offensive rating is +8.3 when Harden is on the floor.

If Harden returns tonight against the Hawks, he could give the Los Angeles Clippers’ offense a major boost as the team aims for a clean sweep in the return rematch at home. The last time the two teams met, Harden erupted for 30 points, going 6-of-9 from beyond the arc and 7-of-14 from the field. Besides Harden, Norman Powell is also questionable to face the Hawks due to a left lower leg injury. However, will Kawhi Leonard and Paul George be able to save the day in case James Harden sits out?

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How have Paul George and Kawhi Leonard fared for the Los Angeles Clippers?

Both Leonard and George are having yet another amazing season. However, what’s more important is that they both have played 60 games apiece out of the 66 games the team has played so far. This is the healthiest they both have been since joining forces in 2019. The Klaw is averaging 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.8 blocks on 52.6% shooting efficiency from the field and 42.5% from downtown this season.

Paul George is close behind with his averages of 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 46.3% from the floor and 40.1% from beyond the arc. With both PG and Leonard available to play tonight against a Hawks team missing their All-Star guard, Trae Young, due to a torn radial collateral ligament in the fifth finger of his left hand, the Clippers are expected to secure the win tonight.

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Written by:

Darshita is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who is creating her own space in the spectrum of sport journalism. Darshita specializes in dissecting post-game interviews, trade, and contracts. Her appetite for literature, akin to her affection for the Milwaukee Bucks, knows no bounds.

Edited by:

Ankit Singh

Clippers vs Hawks: Will James Harden Play Tonight?

How have Paul George and Kawhi Leonard fared for the Los Angeles Clippers?

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