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Will Kawhi Leonard Play Tonight? Raptors vs Clippers: Predictions, Injury Report & Lineups

Los Angeles Clippers begin their four-game road trip to end their regular season by traveling to the makeshift Tampa home of the Toronto Raptors. While the Clippers will be looking to consolidate their third place in the Western Conference Standings, the Raptors are now out of playoff contention officially.

Date & Time: May 11, 2021, 6:30 pm ET

Venue: Amalie Arena, Tampa

Toronto Raptors' Pascal Siakam vs LA Clippers — May 4, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrates scoring past LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Preview | Toronto Raptors

With last night’s results, it was made official that the Raptors‘ seven-year-long fruitful playoff run, which bore them a maiden championship in 2019, has come to an end.

They lie 4.5 games behind the 10th-placed Washington Wizards with just four games of the NBA regular season remaining. Hence, they have no chance of even making the play-in tournament. Because of this, coach Nick Nurse has chosen to rest a plethora of his star players and give starter-level minutes to the reserves.

All of Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby have been given the night off. Also, joining them on the sidelines because of injury reasons are Aron Baynes, Chris Boucher, and Rodney Hood.

Starting 5 for Toronto Raptors

Guard – Malachi Flynn

Guard – Gary Trent Jr.

Center – Khem Birch

Forward – Yuta Watanabe

Forward – Jalen Harris

Preview | LA Clippers

It is quite possible that the Clippers also make late changes to their roster for this clash. Coach Ty Lue may choose to rest his superstars, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, for this matchup.

But for now, we’ll assume that he decides to give them some restricted playing time in a bid to keep them sharp for the playoffs. The Clippers would want to avoid a situation similar to last season, where they arrived into the playoffs without team chemistry.

Other than that, Serge Ibaka continues to miss out because of his prolonged back ailment.

Mar 14, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) react to a play from the bench against New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Starting 5 for LA Clippers

Guard – Reggie Jackson

Guard – Paul George

Center – Ivica Zubac

Forward – Marcus Morris Sr.

Forward – Kawhi Leonard

Pick | Clippers

It is the easiest prediction that anyone has ever to make all season long. The Raptors will be looking to tank, so as to improve their seeding for the 2021 NBA Draft. Expect the Clippers to run rampant on them tonight.

The post Will Kawhi Leonard Play Tonight? Raptors vs Clippers: Predictions, Injury Report & Lineups appeared first on EssentiallySports.

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