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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

The Golden State Warriors (8-10) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8-9) in one of the nine games slated for tonight. This particular matchup is exciting since both teams have been experiencing flashes of success and downturns this season. The Warriors, who started the year strong, have gone ice-cold. Their most embarrassing defeat came recently at the hands of last season’s playoff rivals, the Sacramento Kings, where they blew up a 24-point lead. As a result, they also lost a quarterfinal berth in the In-Season tournament.

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The Clippers, on the other hand, have not been performing well since Harden arrived. There are too many stars on the floor with similar styles and skill sets. However, they offered a glimpse of the team’s potential in the recent victory against the Kings, where they staged a 131-117 comeback after an embarrassing loss (104-113) in Denver, who were without their three superstars. With both teams gearing up to battle it out at Chase Center tonight, let’s take a look at the projected lineups.

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Projected starting lineups for Warriors vs. Clippers

Although there have been talks of Steve Kerr switching up the starting lineup, he’s likely going to give it more time before making any decision. Therefore, tonight’s Warriors lineup might feature – Stephen Curry (PG), Klay Thompson (SG), Andrew Wiggins (SF), Draymond Green (PF), and Kevon Looney (C).

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USA Today via Reuters

The LA Clippers, too, have been struggling with starting lineups and rotations. However, things seem a little better since Russell Westbrook volunteered to come off the bench. Their projected starting lineup for today is – James Harden (PG), Teranace Mann (SG), Paul George (SF), Kawhi Leonard (PF), and Ivica Zubac (C).

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Warriors vs. Clippers injury report

The Warriors’ loss to Sacramento proved to be a costly affair. The team not only missed a knockout spot but ended the game with two new additions to the injury report. As a result, Paul will miss the game against the Clippers due to a lower left leg contusion. Moreover, Gary Payton II will be out indefinitely after suffering a torn right calf during the team’s recent loss. This is huge for the Warriors since Paul is a crucial piece in the second unit and Payton is their go-to on-ball perimeter defender. Usman Garuba, who missed the game versus the Kings due to a dislocated right finger, will sit out tonight due to the same injury.

Read More: “Everybody Hated Me”: Crumbling Under Pressure, Ex-Clippers Star’s 1 Decision Once Drove Him Towards NBA Exit

The Clippers enter the contest fairly healthy, with no major additions. Mason Plumlee is expected to make a comeback by mid-January due to his knee injury. Brandon Boston Jr. is also expected to miss some time as he tends to his quadriceps injury. Their newest addition is Norman Powell, who left Wednesday’s game with a leg injury. Powell is listed as day-to-day, so watch out for any game-time updates.

Who do you think will emerge victorious tonight? Let us know in the comments!

Watch this story: Hell Bent on Leaving the 76ers, James Harden Still Hopeful of Creating Dream Team With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

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Darshita Daga

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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. As a dedicated fan of the Cream City and a particular admirer of the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Darshita's beat writing details every intricacy, even the critique. Her articles go beyond the box scores and game highlights, delving into the human stories behind the players, the franchises, and the unforgettable moments that make the NBA an unparalleled spectacle. Darshita's passion for the NBA extends beyond the written word, finding solace in the world of books.

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Ruth John

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