Multiple key players are out for Cavs vs Clippers
Cavs and Clippers are shorthanded.
Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the LA Clippers have listed key players as out for their matinee matchup on Sunday. The Cavs will be without Sixth Man of the Year candidate Ty Jerome, while the Clippers will be missing their most important player in Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard torched the Cavs in their previous meeting. It was a throwback performance from the two-time Finals MVP. Leonard scored 33 points on 12-19 shooting in a win over Cleveland on March 18. He’s averaging 26.5 points on 60.9% shooting in his four games since.
Meanwhile, Jerome has been a sparkplug on Cleveland’s bench all season long. His heat-check scoring has given the Cavs the ultimate advantage over opposing second units. Jerome’s presence has been missed in each of their last two games as he manages a knee injury.
This will be the Cavaliers' final game of March. It was a roller coaster of a month that began with a confident winning streak and is ending with a whimper. They’ve gone 10-5 through the month so far and would appreciate a win on their home floor before ending the final stretch of the season.
Cleveland’s path over LA will be easier this time. Leonard’s absence will take a huge piece off the board for them to worry about. However, the Clippers can’t be overlooked. This is a scrappy team that has exceeded expectations all year. This win will be crucial for the Clippers to maintain playoff position.
The Cavs also list Jaylon Tyson, Emoni Bates, Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Luke Travers as out.