LOS ANGELES – The Clippers will have their superstar duo available when they face league leaders Utah Jazz on Friday night with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George about to return from injury.
Both return to starting lineup after George missed the previous seven games with a swollen right finger and Leonard was left out of the previous three with a lower left leg contusion.
“They’ve been good and the body has been reacting well to the workouts they’ve been doing,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “Tonight is the night.”
The Clippers ’starting lineup is complete again, with Nic Batum also returning after losing the previous two games with a concussion. Luke Kennard is also available to play after losing the last game with a knee injury.
George stayed out until the pain and swelling subsided in his toe.
“I just know [George] it has no pain and the swelling has diminished, “Lue said.” He’s been doing basketball stuff all over the court for the last few days and he’s felt good. No pain, no problems … both [pain and swelling] they have left “.
Utah blew up the Clippers abandonment Wednesday and enters Friday’s game after winning 20 of its last 21.