LA Clippers simply cannot stay healthy.
When the Clippers return home on Saturday night for the confrontation with the Charlotte Hornets, the team will again lose a handful of holders of Serge Ibaka and Patrick Beverley.
Ibaka, who was previously considered questionable to play, was demoted a few hours before the report. He lost the last two matches due to a back injury he suffered just under a week ago in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
LA will miss its ability to space the ground against a Hornets team that fights to defend the perimeter. As a group, Charlotte gives up more attempts at three points per game than any other team in the league and allows opponents to divert more than 37% of their eyes from the outside.
Fortunately, the Hornets also had their fair share of issues protecting the border. While they limit appearances in the painting, opponents reached the best 56.1% of the league in two against them. Assuming that Ivica Zubac continues to start in Ibaka’s place while he recovers, he could have a great night.
For Beverley, this will be his fourth consecutive absence as he deals with knee pain. The Clippers will miss their defensive talent on the court, as the Hornets feature a talented trio of guards at LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Devonte ‘Graham. As a group, they are combining for about 50 points per game and playing in the three-point range.
Reggie Jackson must be on the line for the start, and although he does not play his best basketball on the defensive end of the court, his ability to play with speed and function as an expert in catching and shooting beyond the hoop must prevail.
The LA Clippers and Charlotte Hornets will take the floor at 7 pm Pacific time.