The Clippers’ third game of the 2023-2024 preseason comes against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
Game Information
Where: Crypto.com, Los Angeles, California
When: 7:30 PM PT
How to Watch: ESPN, KTLA, AM 570
Projected Starting Lineups
Nuggets: Jamal Murray – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Michael Porter Jr. – Aaron Gordon – Nikola Jokic
Clippers: Russell Westbrook – Paul George – Kawhi Leonard – Nic Batum – Ivica Zubac
Injuries
Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. Questionable (Ankle), Christian Braun Questionable (Calf), Vlatko Cancar Out (Knee)
Clippers: Brandon Boston Out (Knee)
Notes
Nico Starting: It was announced yesterday that Nic Batum would be the Clippers’ fifth starter in this one. The Clippers and Ty Lue have hinted that each of the competitors for the Clippers’ spot will get a starting spot, and so far, that has proven true (meaning Marcus Morris will likely start their last preseason game). Nic Batum seems perhaps the least likely candidate to start, even though he’s steady, reliable, and a good fit with the starters, as the Clippers want to keep his minutes down and he’s expressed preference for coming off the bench. After Robert Covington dazzled last game, we will see how Nico shows out in this one.
The Rest of the Rotation: Per reporters at the Clippers’ practice over the weekend, a group of Bones Hyland, Terance Mann, KJ Martin, Covington, and Mason Plumlee were working out together. That seems like a likely (and promising) second-unit group, though Norm Powell’s absence was probably just because he’s coming back from injury. With Norm available tomorrow, it will be interesting to see if the Clippers sit him out anyway – whether for further rest and recovery or to get a look at another bench grouping. And if Norm does play, which of those players is getting bumped from the rotation. Odds are it’s Martin or Covington, but again, we will just have to see.
Reggie Homecoming: This will be Reggie Jackson’s first come back at Crypto/Staples since he signed with the Nuggets last year. Even though it’s just a preseason game, I would expect Reggie receives a warm welcome when he’s called off the bench. Maybe the Clippers honor him with some kind of announcement or highlight reel, but it’s more likely they save that for his first return in the regular season instead. Hopefully the reception is a very positive one for Reggie.
