Darian Vaziri here, the host of the daily Locked On Clippers podcast, with your daily Locked On Clippers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Clippers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
League at Large
Kawhi Leonard’s slow comeback
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
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.
Home and Away
Injury Encouraging news for Clippers fans as Kawhi Leonard is reportedly making progress in his recovery, despite the ongoing Los Angeles fires. Leonard’s update gives hope for his return. (Sports Illustrated)
Legacy Ex-NBA star Blake Griffin reflects on his time with the Boston Celtics, openly discussing his experiences and growth since his tenure with the Clippers. Griffin’s insights offer a candid look at his career evolution. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis One month before the trade deadline, the NBA Power Rankings place the Clippers in a critical position, emphasizing the need for strategic moves. (Bleacher Report)
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
What Hurts The Most When We Play OKC Can the Los Angeles Clippers overcome the Oklahoma City Thunder’s impressive 12-game winning streak? Host Darian Vaziri offers insights into the Clippers-Thunder trade, reflecting on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise and the implications for both teams. The discussion also covers Kawhi Leonard’s anticipated return and how it could reshape the Clippers’ game plan.
How The LA Clippers Fell Apart After A Great First Half With James Harden sidelined due to a groin injury, the Clippers struggled, highlighting the importance of his presence on the court. This episode hosted by die hard Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri, breaks down the Clippers’ performance, focusing on key players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba, who stepped up despite the defeat.
What Made Kawhi Leonard’s Intuit Dome Debut So Special Kawhi Leonard is back with the Los Angeles Clippers, and his return is making waves in the NBA. Did his comeback against the Atlanta Hawks signal a re-opened window for the Clippers? With Leonard’s impressive performance, the Clippers secured a 131-105 victory, showcasing their potential as serious championship contenders.
