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Are the Clippers Going to Take the Preseason Seriously?

Originally posted on The Lead | By Daniel Ramos Escalero | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 6:19 PM ET

The Clippers have had an eventful offseason, both with player moves and the Kawhi scandal. These events have overshadowed key questions about the team’s talent and season outlook. With the preseason right around the corner, it would make a lot of sense for the oldest team in NBA history to take some extra rest and coast into the start of the regular season. However, that appears not to be the case with the Clippers in 2025.

Team Health Status

On a team like the Clippers, there are always health issues and injuries during the preseason. Fortunately, this time around, none of them are serious, and there are only a few. The only injured players are Bogdan Bogdanovic. Who suffered a ruptured hamstring muscle during EuroBasket, and Bradley Beal, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in May. Both players appear to be recovered or close to it. Bogdanovic has already participated in contact practices and is expected to be seen during the preseason. Beal, on the other hand, has had contact practices, but more limited ones. Beal is expected to be ready for opening night. The most surprising and exciting news is that Kawhi Leonard is expected to participate in the Clippers’ preseason. This hasn’t happened in a long time, but when asked about it, the forward responded positively and said he was looking forward to participating in the preseason.

Kawhi Leonard said he expects to play in the Clippers’ first preseason game on Thursday.

“Yeah. Forsure. This is what training camp is for. To get in shape and get ready for the season. I think we are gonna be participating on Thursday.”

Said it’s been important to have…

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 5, 2025

Who Will Be in the Clippers’ Starting Lineup?

Ty Lue faces a challenge assembling the starting five after all the trades and signings. Set positions are James Harden at point guard, Bradley Beal at shooting guard, Ivica Zubac at center, and Kawhi Leonard, though his exact spot is unclear. With John Collins joining the fray, he seemed set at starting power forward, with Kawhi at small forward.

However, this lineup is not set. Collins can defend the paint and stretch the floor, but with him in the lineup, Kawhi becomes the main perimeter defender. Though Kawhi is capable and played great defense last season, this role would increase his workload by matching up against top scorers every night.

Lue was recently asked if John Collins would be part of the starting lineup, to which the coach replied: “John Collins? John Collins, I can’t remember.” If Collins is not a starter for the Clippers, the lineup would likely be as follows: Harden, Beal, Derrick Jones Jr., Leonard, and Zubac.

Bradley Beal is the Clippers’ starting shooting guard.

Ty Lue “can’t remember” if John Collins is the starting four.

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) September 30, 2025

LA’s Lofty Expectations

As the Clippers head into the new season, all eyes are on Ty Lue and how he will manage this revamped roster.

The talent the Clippers have is undeniable, but chemistry, health, and rotations remain uncertain. For a core that has been chasing a ring for years, this season seems decisive.

If Lue finds the right balance and keeps his stars healthy, the Clippers could finally silence the doubters. If not, this will be remembered as yet another season of what might have been.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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