The Los Angeles Clippers are back on the road Tuesday night, heading into Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz with momentum and a little uncertainty. While the team has been red-hot lately-winning 15 of their last 18 and finally starting to look like the contender many expected-health remains a lingering question. Kawhi Leonard and Kris Dunn both landed on the injury report ahead of the matchup, each listed as questionable.
Leonard is dealing with a left knee contusion, the same issue that kept him out of the tail end of the Clippers’ recent road trip. But when he’s been on the floor, he’s looked every bit like the two-way force that can tilt a game.
Just last Thursday, he returned to action and lit up the Lakers in a statement performance, then followed it up by suiting up again in a dominant win over the Brooklyn Nets. Whether he’s able to go against Utah remains to be seen, but his presence-or absence-will be a major storyline heading into tipoff.
As for Dunn, he’s been a steady presence in the Clippers’ rotation and has carved out a role as a dependable backcourt option. He’s also listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. Given his consistent minutes of late, the Clippers would certainly prefer to have him available, especially against a Jazz team he knows well from earlier in his career.
The Clippers will still be without Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr., both of whom remain sidelined.
On the Utah side, the injury report is just as crowded. Lauri Markkanen is questionable as he works his way back into game shape.
Jusuf Nurkic is listed as doubtful due to illness, while Kevin Love is probable with a left knee contusion. Keyonte George will be out for rest.
Despite the early-season turbulence, the Clippers have found their rhythm. Their recent surge has pulled them closer to the .500 mark, and more importantly, they’re finally showing the kind of cohesion and firepower that had fans and analysts alike buzzing before the season tipped off.
Tipoff is set for 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Whether or not Leonard and Dunn suit up, the Clippers will be looking to keep the momentum rolling-and the Jazz, shorthanded or not, won’t make it easy.