Raptors at Clippers
Monday, 10 p.m. ET, Staples Center
Sportsnet, 590
SCOUTING REPORT
Of the three losses the Clippers have suffered, two have come without Kawhi Leonard in the lineup. Leonard, who is still and likely forever will be load-managed, will be in the lineup against his old team Monday night. Leonard is carrying a larger part of the load at the moment with Paul George still out but expected back later this week. Leonard is averaging 29 points a night but has been a late-game saviour for the Clippers. His fourth quarter average of 13.5 points is tops in the Association. Without George the Clippers aren’t quite as imposing but they have been making up for that with a deadly bench unit that is averaging a league best 50.6 points a game. Lou Williams, former Raptor and sixth man of the year winner while there, leads that group along with Montrezl Harrell.
MARQUEE MATCHUP
OG Anunoby vs. Kawhi Leonard Here’s hoping OG Anunoby got his rest after tangling with LeBron James on Sunday because waiting for him in his game is Leonard who may not be as big but is just as tough a matchup. Anunoby has been game for every challenge this year and these two days will be the toughest of his season without question.
DID YOU KNOW?
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers just claimed his 900th coaching victory becoming just the 13th head coach all time to reach that mark. Only Rivers and San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich are active from that group … In addition to Leonard and Williams, former Raptors on the Clippers include Patrick Patterson who is starting right now and assistant coaches Rex Kalamian and Jeremy Castlebury … Toronto has won seven of the past 10 games between the two teams.
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