Tonight, the 44-26 LA Clippers, the Western Conference’s fourth seed, will play host to the 40-32 Indiana Pacers, the East’s sixth seed. With every game critical for each club in two hotly-contested conferences, both are angling to notch a W.
Both franchises have now announced their starting fives for the evening’s entertainment. Surprisingly, the Clippers will be able to start head coach Tyronn Lue’s preferred lineup tonight, the team has announced via its official Twitter/X:
Per the Clips, James Harden will get the nod at the point, Terrence Mann will start at shooting guard, All-Stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will get the nod at either forward spot, and big man Ivica Zubac will man the paint at the five. George will be playing against the team that drafted him with the tenth overall pick in 2010 out of Fresno State, en route to nine All-Star appearances (and counting) and a probable Hall of Fame career.
Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
The Pacers, meanwhile, will elevate a rookie guard, Ben Sheppard, to his first starting action of his pro career, according to Indiana’s Twitter/X. He’ll join All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton in the team’s backcourt.
Andrew Nembhard will get the jump at small forward, new addition Pascal Siakam will be available to play power forward, and frequent trade candidate Myles Turner will hold it down at center. The Pacers are missing some key pieces.
The Clippers are hosting the action at Crypto.com Arena. It tips off at 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m ET. Non-local fans can tune in via NBA League Pass. Clippers aficionados can check out the action on Bally Sports SoCal, while Indiana appreciator can scope their team on Bally Sports Indiana.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.