After listing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George as questionable, the LA Clippers ruled both players out shortly before game time on Friday evening. For Leonard, it is the second night of a back to back, and he has not yet been cleared to play on consecutive nights. For George, he is still nursing hamstring discomfort.
While this game being the last night of a back to back would usually indicate both Leonard and George would be out, given their current health situations, this instance was unique. With the Clippers getting blown out in Denver on Thursday night, Leonard played just 18 minutes, and George played just 13 minutes. Because of this, both players were initially listed as questionable for this game against the Timberwolves, but were ultimately ruled out.
The Clippers have lost four-straight games, and are in real danger of losing a fifth in Minnesota. This would tie the longest losing streak since Leonard and George were acquired, although the only other five-game losing streak in that span came last year when both players were sidelined.
With this losing streak, the Clippers are in real danger of sliding into the play-in picture. They currently sit just one half-game above the 9th seed, and could fall into that spot with a loss to Minnesota. It has been a disappointing season for the Clippers, who hope to turn things around in the second half of the season with tonight's game marking the official midway point.
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