The LA Clippers are in the midst of an intriguing lineup shuffle as they work to integrate their latest acquisitions following the NBA trade deadline. The arrival of Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson marked significant changes, with James Harden and Ivica Zubac making surprising exits.
Wednesday night saw the Clippers unveil a fresh starting lineup that could define their approach for the rest of the season and potentially the playoffs. Kawhi Leonard, who was a game-time decision, suited up alongside Garland, who was cleared after the morning shootaround. Concerns loomed over their availability due to the back-to-back schedule, but both players took the court.
Clippers starters:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 18, 2026
Darius Garland
Derrick Jones Jr.
Kawhi Leonard
John Collins
Brook Lopez
Pelicans:
Dejounte Murray
Trey Murphy III
Saddiq Bey
Zion Williamson
Herbert Jones
The starting five featured Darius Garland, Derrick Jones Jr., Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, and Brook Lopez-marking the first time this combination has played together this season. Kris Dunn transitioned to a bench role, making way for Collins in the starting rotation.
Incorporating these new faces has been a challenge for the Clippers. Garland's debut was delayed by a month due to toe injury management, while John Collins faced his own setbacks with neck injuries, sidelining him for nine games.
Despite debuting this new lineup, the Clippers are still without Bennedict Mathurin on this road trip. Mathurin has been impactful in his 16 games with the team, averaging 19.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of focus and effort, saying, “We know we've got three hard games. We've just got to come out and take it one by one.
I know it's a back-to-back, but they've been playing hard, competing, and we've got to come out and do the same. We understand who they are.
They're playing to win, they're playing for something, and we've got to be locked in.”
The Clippers have experimented with a whopping 21 different starting lineups this season, a testament to their ongoing search for the right formula. With two games against the New Orleans Pelicans and a matchup with the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, the Clippers are navigating a critical stretch before returning home to face the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors.
As the Clippers continue to adjust, the focus remains on finding cohesion and maximizing the potential of their revamped roster.