Star guard James Harden says the Clippers still believe they can recover from a 5–13 start, even after Tuesday’s 135–118 loss to the Lakers. “We’ve got a lot of games left where we can hit a stride,” the 12-time All-Star said, noting the club has dealt with injuries and constant lineup changes. Los Angeles hosts Memphis (7–12) on Friday and Dallas (5–14) on Saturday.
Despite playing through foot soreness, Harden was not listed on Friday’s injury report, according to The Athletic. Veteran wing Bogdan Bogdanovic will miss a fourth straight game with a left hip contusion.
Lakers
The Lakers list starting center Deandre Ayton as probable for Friday’s matchup with Dallas after he sat out Tuesday’s win because of a right knee contusion. Guard Marcus Smart is questionable due to back spasms, the team announced.
Suns
With Jalen Green (right hamstring strain), Grayson Allen (right quad contusion) and Ryan Dunn (right wrist sprain) still sidelined, Collin Gillespie earned his first start of the season Wednesday in Sacramento. The former Villanova point guard delivered 21 points and nine assists in 34 minutes, helping Phoenix to victory. All three injured Suns will remain out Friday at Oklahoma City.
Kings
After snapping an eight-game skid with two straight wins, Sacramento stumbled again Wednesday. Zach LaVine committed turnovers on the Kings’ first two possessions, and the team trailed by 25 after one quarter before falling by 12. LaVine finished with 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting and six turnovers. “We’re frustrated we’re not winning,” he said postgame.
Source: Hoops Rumors
