LOS ANGELES – The LA Clippers have their superstar duo available when they face league-leading Utah Jazz on Friday night, with both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George returning from injury.
Both are back in the starting lineup after George missed the previous seven games with a swollen right toe and Leonard put the previous three out with a lower leg from the left leg.
“They were good and the body responded well to the workouts they did,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “Tonight is the night.”
The Clippers starting lineup is whole again, with Nic Batum also returning after missing the previous two games with concussions. Reserve shooter Luke Kennard is also available to play after missing the last game with a sore knee.
George stays outside until the pain and swelling in his toe subsides.
‘I do not know [George] has no pain and the swelling has decreased, “Lue said. He’s done some full basketball good over the last few days and he feels good. No pain, no problems … both [pain and swelling] is gone. ‘
Utah wiped out the short-handed Clippers Wednesday and entered Friday’s game after winning 20 of the past 21.