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Locked On Clippers
How LA Clippers Will Survive With Norman Powell Out
Nov 18, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) passes the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images|Kirby Lee/Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Clippers Face Challenges Without Norman Powell
As a dedicated Los Angeles Clippers fan, the recent news of Norman Powell’s absence due to a hamstring strain is concerning. Powell, who has been a key player, averaging 23 points per game with impressive shooting splits, will miss the upcoming game against the Orlando Magic. His absence is a significant blow, especially given our current offensive struggles. Powell’s ability to make crucial shots has been vital, and without him, the team will need to find new ways to compensate for the loss.
James Harden’s Role and Efficiency
With Powell sidelined, the spotlight turns to James Harden. Harden’s scoring efficiency has been a topic of discussion, as he has shown signs of improvement in recent games. Despite a challenging start to the season, Harden’s recent performances indicate a positive trend. His ability to adapt and increase his efficiency will be crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge. Harden’s role becomes even more significant as he navigates the defensive challenges posed by the Magic, who boast strong defenders like Jalen Suggs and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
The Clippers’ strategy will likely involve utilizing Ivica Zubac more in the post, testing the Magic’s defensive capabilities. The absence of key Magic players like Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. might offer some relief, but the game remains a tough challenge. The team will need to rely on players like Amir Coffey, who has been solid this season, to step up in Powell’s absence.
Next Man Up: Opportunities for Other Players
The situation presents an opportunity for other players to shine. Kris Dunn has already replaced Terance Mann in the starting lineup, and Amir Coffey is expected to take on a more prominent role. Coffey’s impressive shooting percentages make him a logical choice to fill the gap left by Powell. Additionally, this could be a chance for Jordan Miller to showcase his skills, especially with his size and versatility being assets on the court.
The Clippers’ current standing at 8-7 is a testament to their resilience, but maintaining this momentum without Powell will require collective effort. The team’s defensive prowess has been a strong point, and continuing to build on this foundation will be essential. As the season progresses, the hope is that Powell’s injury is not long-term, allowing the team to regain its full strength.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
**Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:**
- James Harden’s scoring trends and efficiency improvements
- The impact of Norman Powell’s absence on the team’s dynamics
- Analysis of the Clippers’ defensive strategies
- Upcoming challenges and opportunities for the Clippers
- Player performances and potential lineup changes
League at Large
Cleveland’s winning streak ends
The streak had to end sometime. Even the 2015-2016 Warriors only (“only”) got to 24 wins to start their season. Ironically, they’d go on to lose the title to the Cavs that season.
That Cleveland lost to the Celtics, in TD Garden, without Isaac Okoro and with Darius Garland shooting 3-21 — well only the first half of that stings. If Garland made two more of those field goals the Cavs would’ve taken the game, and Okoro, out with an ankle sprain, will be back.
This game was a tester for the Cavs. Beyond a match against the defending champs and a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview, it was an opportunity to see how the team responded to pressure, unfavourable conditions and expectation. NBA basketball is about winning, we all know this refrain well, but that the Cavs scoring dried up in crucial stretches while the team also fell into bad habits of turning the ball over in momentum-leeching moments, and they still managed multiple runs to come back within two, speaks pretty well to this group’s ability to respond.
What makes the Celtics so good, and a bit like a dream-crushing machine, is their ability to capitalize on and invert what usually brings their opponents wins. In the Cavs case, it’s their speed. Not just pure speed without aim, but their ability to push the pace within their offensive possessions because not one player tends to move in isolation from anyone else. Their lightning quick passing, their flashing cuts and counter-cuts, it’s all predicated on ball movement capitalizing on intuitive communication. A sixth sense of understanding where their teammates are on the floor at any given moment.
Boston was able to jam that up. Not entirely upend it, but chase with pace of their own enough that Garland at times appeared to be the pursued and not the pursuer. Where Garland rushed an offensive possession, where he went in for a fastbreak ISO drive to wrest the pace of the game back into his team’s hands, he bungled it. He’d botch an easy layup and go careening past the baseline, having to expend more energy to get back down the floor in the transition already underway. And the more he botched it, the faster he went. The Celtics saw this and upped the pressure on him, taking advantage of forced turnovers by draining three after three and all but eliminating a huge component of what’s made the Cavs so formidable — their rebounding.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Can Dalton Knecht Keep Up This Run?
Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) react after scoring a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images|Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dalton Knecht has recently become a focal point in NBA fantasy discussions, thanks to his electrifying performances on the court. In a standout game, Knecht scored 37 points, including nine three-pointers, with an impressive 75% shooting accuracy. This remarkable display has fantasy managers buzzing, as Knecht’s shooting streak positions him as a valuable asset in leagues.
Knecht’s Shooting Streak: A Fantasy Goldmine
Over the past four games, Knecht has been on a tear, shooting 22 of 33 from beyond the arc, equating to a 67% success rate. Such efficiency is rare and highlights his potential as a sharpshooter. For fantasy managers, Knecht is a must-add player, especially given his current role in the Lakers’ starting lineup. However, while his shooting spree is impressive, it’s important to manage expectations, as maintaining such a high percentage is challenging over the long term.
Injury Updates and Their Impact on Fantasy Rosters
Knecht’s rise comes at a time when injuries are shaking up NBA rosters. Norman Powell’s hamstring injury, for instance, has left a gap in the Clippers’ lineup. With Powell likely sidelined for at least a week, players like Kris Dunn and Amir Coffey might see increased roles, offering potential value for fantasy managers seeking replacements.
Click the button below to get updates on Zach Edey’s ankle injury, and how Bradley Beal’s calf continues to cause problems for fantasy managers.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
How James Harden’s Special Night Led To A Bounceback Win Did you know James Harden just surpassed Ray Allen to become second all-time in NBA three-pointers during the Clippers’ clash with the Jazz? Join die hard Clipper fan and Host Darian Vaziri for an engaging discussion on the Los Angeles Clippers’ strategies and standout performances.
How The LA Clippers Won Their 2nd Game Against The Warriors This Season Can the Los Angeles Clippers’ defense-first identity carry them through the season? With a slow pace ranking 24th, the Clippers rely on turnovers to ignite their offense. James Harden shines with 12 points and 16 assists, showcasing improved defense with two steals and two blocks. Norman Powell delivers clutch shooting, scoring 23 points and hitting five of six from beyond the arc. Ivica Zubac dominates the paint with eight points, 17 rebounds, and a team-high +21 plus/minus. The bench, featuring Chris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr., adds solid defensive play, while Amir Coffey and Terance Mann inject energy.
How The LA Clippers Will Survive Without Norman Powell Will the Clippers maintain their defensive edge and overcome offensive challenges without Norman Powell? Tune in with die hard LA Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri for an in-depth analysis and insider perspectives.
