Los Angeles Clippers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves without sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard, head coach Ty Lue said, according to Ohm Youngmisuk.
The Clippers will face the Wolves without the most accurate three-point shooter. Kennard converted on a career-best and league-high 44.9% of his three-point attempts this season.
Luke Kennard didn’t make the trip with the Clippers due to his sore hamstring. — Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) April 12, 2022
He finished with averages of 11.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 27.4 minutes per contest through 70 games this season. Kennard also led the Clippers in free throw percentage this season at 89.6 percent.
The Wolves are the best team in three-point shooting this season having the most made threes in the NBA. Kennard could counterpart this statistic with the best shooter in the NBA this season.
Los Angeles will have seven-time All-Star Paul George and swingman Norman Powell on the court. George recovered from an elbow issue and returned to action in March. Powell rehabbed a foot injury and he played for the first time in weeks, six days ago.
Powell will need to step up and cover any shooting deficiencies without Kennard, while Terrance Mann could be a huge weapon for the visitors, especially when he shoots from the corner.
The Clippers will need the win to secure the 7th seed and avoid playing the Phoenix Suns. If they lose, they will have to play against either Pelicans or Spurs for the no. 8 in the Western Conference.
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