After being out for a month because of his injuries, Kawhi Leonard has now played in consecutive NBA games for the first time in more than a year, and the Clippers are hopeful that he and Paul George will carry on as the 2022-23 season rolls along.
The same is the case for Chris Paul and James Harden, who recently returned for the Suns and the Sixers respectively.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies suffered a huge blow as one of their stars is said to be out for another three to four weeks.
Read on below as SBOTOP reviews the latest NBA 2022 updates.
Encouraging signs from the Clippers stars
In his return against the Hornets, Kawhi Leonard recorded 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and shot 7-for-15 from the field in 28 minutes of playing time. The two-time NBA champion also hit the game-winning shot via his signature midrange jumper.
Leonard was not the only one who returned as his co-star Paul George was back after missing their last seven games with a hamstring strain. Against Charlotte, George had 19 points and seven assists while going 8-for-15 from the field in 28 minutes too.
George and Leonard also played a ton in their 116-111 OT loss to the Magic since they logged at least 30 minutes each. But both of them only combined for 25 points on a woeful 7-for-27 shooting from the field.
Shaking off rust is understandable since George and Leonard had shared the court in a handful of games this season. It’s clear that the Clippers are stronger when these two are available since they have only lost once in the games that they both play this term.
The Clippers right now are 14-12 – good for ninth place in the West standings. A huge test awaits them because four of their next five opponents are considered playoff contenders.
Celtics and Suns put their offseason drama aside
The Celtics blew out the Suns 125-98 today. But even after the poor result for the Suns, both teams are still at least in the Top 2 in their respective conferences.
Prior to their matchup, the Celtics and the Suns own the two best offences and net ratings this season, and they’ve combined for only 14 losses.
That’s not bad given what these two organizations went through last summer. The Celtics were rocked by Ime Udoka’s suspension for multiple violations of team rules, while Suns owner Robert Sarver was punished by the league for his racist and misogynist behaviour towards his subordinates.
Because of Udoka’s suspension, Boston appointed Joe Mazzulla to be their interim head coach and their trust in him has paid dividends. Under Mazzulla, franchise player Jayson Tatum is having an MVP-calibre season, and their NBA 2022 odds of finally winning Banner No. 18 look bright.
As for Phoenix, they’re off to another great start despite the absences of Chris Paul and Cam Johnson. Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Cameron Payne have shouldered much of the load these past few weeks.
But Chris Paul is finally back after a 14-game absence due to a heel injury. Although he only had four points and four assists in his return, the 37-year-old floor general should improve as he works his way back.
Harden struggles in return, Bane to continue his rehab
James Harden vowed to be better after struggling in his return on Monday. In the Sixers’ 132-123 double OT loss to his former team, the Rockets, the Beard had 21 points but only shot 4-for-19 from the field.
Prior to Monday, Harden missed 14 games due to a sprained foot tendon. Sixers coach Doc Rivers initially planned to have his star on a minutes restriction, but he didn’t since he felt that Harden needed the minutes to get in a rhythm.
The Sixers have fallen to eight in the East standings as they’ve dropped their third straight game. They now have a 12-12 win-loss card.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are not in a hurry to bring back Desmond Bane – who remains sidelined because of his big toe injury.
They’re currently third in the West standings with a 16-9 record, identical to the second-seeded Suns, as they’re enjoying a four-game winning streak.
Ja Morant and Tyus Jones have been spectacular for Memphis. Morant now has six career triple-doubles – the most in franchise history – following his all-around effort in their 123-102 win versus the Thunder, while Jones had a career night in their 101-93 victory over the Heat on Tuesday where he tallied 28 points.
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