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Nicolas Batum Batum says 2025-26 season will likely be his last
Mon, May 19, 2025, 11:37 AM
Remi Reverchon
While speaking with BeIN Sports, Nicolas Batum said there's a âgood chanceâ that the 2025-26 season will be his last in the NBA.
Analysis: The 2008 first-round pick has had a lengthy career, and after nearly two decades, it may be coming to a close. Batum's most productive seasons came in Portland, though he was still excellent with Charlotte and has been a valuable role player with the Clippers and 76ers in the later years of his career. His 17.5 minutes per game this season were a new career-low, and he will likely continue to play a small reserve role next season. Though he hasn't added a ring to his resume, Batum has had a lot of success in his basketball career, including helping France to the silver medal in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. |
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James Harden Harden performs vanishing act in Game 7 loss
Sat, May 3, 2025, 5:02 PM
James Harden finished with seven points (2-of-8 FGs), five rebounds, 13 assists, two steals, one block and one three-pointer in Saturday's season-ending Game 7 loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: After scoring 28 in a critical Game 6 victory, it appeared that Harden was ready to have a big Game 7. Unfortunately, it just didn't happen. The assists were great, but he didn't step up as a scorer in the way that a star should. Harden will be 36 at the start of next season, but there is no indication that he'll slow down during the regular season. Managers should draft him with confidence next season, even if he continues to struggle during the postseason. |
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Ivica Zubac Ivica Zubac tallies double-double in Game 7 loss
Sat, May 3, 2025, 4:53 PM
Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double on Saturday with 10 points (5-of-10 FGs), 14 rebounds, two assists and one steal in Game 7 against the Nuggets.
Analysis: Zubac wrapped up a breakout season with yet another double-double, but it wasn't enough to keep the Clippers alive. He was a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, and he averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, all of which were career highs. He had a Yahoo ADP of 86.8 this season, but he will certainly go significantly earlier in drafts next season. He provided third-round value in nine-cat leagues this season. |
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Kawhi Leonard Kawhi nets team-high 22 points in Game 7 loss
Sat, May 3, 2025, 4:42 PM
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 22 points (6-of-13 FGs), five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two three-pointers in Saturday's season-ending Game 7 loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Leonard was one of the few bright spots on offense for the Clippers, but things didn't go well during his time on the floor. They were outscored by 33 points during his 33 minutes. It was a bitter end to a strong year for Kawhi. He didn't make his season debut until January, but he ended up playing 37 games and was still healthy for the postseason. Though he'll be 34 at the start of next season, he'll be healthy heading into the offseason, which is an excellent development for him. Injuries will continue to push him down draft boards, which could make him an excellent value in fantasy basketball next season. |
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Norman Powell Norman Powell drops 24 points in Game 6 victory
Thu, May 1, 2025, 6:59 PM
Norman Powell was a key contributor for the Clippers, putting up 24 points (9-of-15 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), three rebounds, one assist, two steals and two three-pointers in their Game 6 win over the Nuggets.
Analysis: Powell put forth his best scoring performance of the postseason on Thursday, where his contributions helped the Clippers extend the series to a seventh game on Saturday. On the heels of his most productive scoring season as a professional, the 10th-year pro electrified the Intuit Dome crowd in the third quarter before nailing a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to help seal the deal. Powell was one of three Clippers players to score at least 20 points in this game. He will be counted on to deliver once more in the series finale in Denver on Saturday. |
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James Harden James Harden puts up 28 points vs. Nuggets
Thu, May 1, 2025, 6:56 PM
James Harden put up big numbers in the Clippers' Game 6 win over the Nuggets on Thursday, tallying 28 points (10-of-20 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), six rebounds, eight assists, two steals, one block and three three-pointers.
Analysis: Harden rebounded from a quiet 11-point, five-assist performance in Game 5 with his second-highest scoring output of the series. The former 2018 NBA MVP was much more aggressive as a shot taker from the start and scored 21 first-half points after generating only nine total field-goal attempts the previous game. He led the team in scoring and also contributed as a facilitator, leading Los Angeles in assists for the game. Harden will have a chance to deliver another big performance in Saturday's Game 7. |
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Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Leonard scores 27 points vs. Nuggets
Thu, May 1, 2025, 6:54 PM
Kawhi Leonard had a strong performance in the win over the Nuggets, finishing with 27 points (11-of-22 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), 10 rebounds, five assists and two three-pointers in Game 6 on Thursday.
Analysis: Leonard followed up a near-triple-double performance in Game 5 with a big double-double. The scoring total was the former two-time NBA Finals MVP's highest output on the series since a masterful Game 2, where he scored 39 points. Leonard got the job done at all three levels and was steady throughout. The Clippers will need more of the same from their go-to scorer on Saturday when they head to Denver for a series-deciding Game 7. |
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Ivica Zubac Ivica Zubac scores 27 points vs. Nuggets
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 7:41 PM
Ivica Zubac had a productive outing, finishing with 27 points (11-of-15 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), five rebounds, one assist and two blocks in the Game 5 loss to the Nuggets on Tuesday.
Analysis: Zubac continued to score the ball well, finishing with a series-high in points on efficient shooting. However, Zubac's usual impact on the glass was absent as he secured just five rebounds in Game 5 after tallying at least nine in the previous four, with his one assist also tying his lowest output of the series. Down in the series 3-2, the Clippers head back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Thursday, where they face a must-win situation to keep their season alive. |
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James Harden James Harden limited to 11 points vs. Nuggets
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 7:31 PM
James Harden concluded Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Nuggets with 11 points (3-of-9 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), eight rebounds, five assists and two steals in 35 minutes.
Analysis: Harden had a quiet night on Tuesday, barely cracking double figures in scoring and failing to register double-digit shot attempts. The 2018 NBA MVP has faced a stifling Nuggets defense that, over the last few games, has forced the ball out of his hands, leading to inferior performances compared to earlier games in the series. Harden will look to have a bounce-back performance on Thursday as he tries to lead the Clippers to a season-saving victory in Game 6. |
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Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Leonard records 20/9/11 line vs. Nuggets
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 7:22 PM
Kawhi Leonard stuffed the stat sheet in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Nuggets, posting 20 points (8-of-15 FGs, 3-of-7 FTs), nine rebounds, 11 assists, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer.
Analysis: Leonard did a little bit of everything for the Clippers in Game 5. The two-time NBA Finals MVP posted a series-high in assists and also hit the glass hard, resulting in a near-triple-double. Leonard has scored at least 20 points in all five games of this series. However, the Clippers may need even more from him going forward as they look to extend their season beyond Thursday's Game 6 at the Intuit Dome. |
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James Harden James Harden dishes out 11 assists in Game 4 loss
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 3:23 PM
James Harden tallied 15 points (5-of-11 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, two blocks and one three-pointer in 43 minutes in Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: After attempting at least 14 shots in each of the first three games of the series, Harden was only responsible for 11 in Game 4. And the Nuggets were able to fluster The Beard, with things coming to a head in the form of an altercation late in the second quarter. Harden did make some solid plays late, with the Clippers ripping off a 32-9 fourth-quarter run to get back into the game. However, it wasn't enough to secure the victory, with the Nuggets pulling even at two games apiece. He'll need to be better in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver. |
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Ivica Zubac Ivica Zubac posts 19/12/6/1/1 line vs. Nuggets
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 3:21 PM
Ivica Zubac recorded 19 points (9-of-14 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), 12 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block in 41 minutes in Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Zubac has recorded a double-double in three of the series' first four games, with Saturday's effort including a complete stat line. The Clippers' center has done his best defensively to make life difficult for Nikola Jokic. Although he hasn't always been successful, Zubac has still managed to make significant contributions offensively. The Clippers now head to Denver for Game 5, scheduled for Tuesday night, with the series tied at two games apiece. |
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Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Leonard drops team-high 24 points in Game 4
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 3:14 PM
Kawhi Leonard accumulated 24 points (10-of-22 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two three-pointers in 40 minutes in Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: Leonard has scored at least 21 points in all four games of this series, essentially looking like the elite version of himself. He and Bogdan Bogdanovic (7/4/2 with one three-pointer) were key factors in the Clippers' 32-9 fourth-quarter run, serving as the âpoint menâ in the team's 1-1-3 zone. Denver's offense grinded to a halt down the stretch, but Aaron Gordon's dunk of a Nikola Jokic miss gave the visitors the two-point win. Leonard and company will look to bounce back on Tuesday, with the Nuggets hosting Game 5. |
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Norman Powell Norman Powell hits four three-pointers in Game 4
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 3:14 PM
Norman Powell tallied 22 points (7-of-13 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, one assist, one steal and four three-pointers in 36 minutes in Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis: After totaling 25 points in the first two games of the series, Powell benefited from the action shifting to the friendly confines of the Intuit Dome. In Games 3 and 4, he shot 14-of-25 from the field and 7-of-16 from beyond the arc. Saturday's performance included four three-pointers during a 32-9 fourth-quarter run that nearly allowed the Clippers to steal the win. Alas, Aaron Gordon's dunk as time expired was the difference. With the series now tied at two games apiece, the Clippers will need the âhomeâ version of Powell to show up on the road. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Denver. |
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Ivica Zubac Ivica Zubac tallies 19 points, nine rebounds
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 7:22 PM
Ivica Zubac accounted for 19 points (8-of-12 FGs, 3-of-6 FTs), nine rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in 33 minutes during Thursday's Game 3 win over the Nuggets.
Analysis: Zubac finished one rebound shy of a double-double in the 34-point victory, but he continues to give Nikola Jokic a hard time defensively. While the three-time MVP recorded another triple-double on Thursday, Zubac's ability to make things difficult for Jokic has allowed the Clippers to avoid gambling too much defensively. Zubac is a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, and for good reason. His performance in this series has shown why that's the case. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon. |
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Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Leonard drops 21/11/6 line in Game 3 rout
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 7:19 PM
Kawhi Leonard logged 35 minutes in Thursday's Game 3 win over the Nuggets, amassing 21 points (7-of-17 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), 11 rebounds, six assists and three three-pointers.
Analysis: After going off for 39 points in Game 2, Leonard did cool off some in Game 3. The Nuggets devoted more attention to him defensively, but the Klaw had plenty of help in the 117-84 demolition. Four starters scored at least 19 points, and two reserves also reached double figures. And with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon playing through injuries, Denver's task of slowing Leonard may be more difficult moving forward. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon. |
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Norman Powell Norman Powell scores 20 points in Game 3 blowout
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 7:13 PM
Norman Powell shot 7-of-12 from the field and 3-of-3 from the foul line in Thursday's Game 3 win over the Nuggets, finishing with 20 points, one rebound, three assists, one steal and three three-pointers in 29 minutes.
Analysis: After scoring 25 points on 10-of-26 shooting in the Clippers' two games in Denver, Powell was much better in Game 3. Not only did he shoot over 50 percent from the field, but the Clippers' guard finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, with the Clippers aiming to take a 3-1 series lead. |
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James Harden James Harden records 20 points, nine assists
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 7:07 PM
James Harden accumulated 20 points (6-of-14 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, nine assists and three three-pointers in 34 minutes in Thursday's Game 3 win over the Nuggets.
Analysis: Harden's scoring has decreased since he dropped 32 in the Clippers' series-opening defeat, but it has not negatively impacted the team's success. In Game 3, The Beard was one of four starters to score at least 19 points, but the Clippers holding Denver to 83 points was the biggest reason why they won the first-ever playoff game at Intuit Dome by 34. Harden and the Clippers will look to take a 3-1 lead when they host Game 4 on Saturday. |
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James Harden James Harden tallies 18/3/7/1/2 line in Game 2 win
Mon, Apr 21, 2025, 6:54 PM
James Harden posted a full line on Monday with 18 points (7-of-17 FGs), three rebounds, seven assists, one steal, two blocks and four three-pointers in Game 2 against the Nuggets.
Analysis: After dropping 32 points in Game 1, Harden didn't replicate that scoring in Game 2. That can mostly be attributed to Kawhi Leonard taking over this game, which led to fewer shots from Harden. The series shifts to Los Angeles, and Thursday will be the first playoff game in the Intuit Dome. Harden had 35 points and 10 assists against the Rockets in the Clippers' last home game. Unless Kawhi goes nuclear again, expect Harden to be more involved on offense in Game 3. |
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Ivica Zubac Ivica Zubac posts another double-double in win
Mon, Apr 21, 2025, 6:51 PM
Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double on Monday with 16 points (6-of-10 FGs), 12 rebounds, four assists and one steal against the Nuggets in Game 2.
Analysis: It has been over a month since Zubac played a game and didn't record a double-double. Playoff basketball hasn't changed that. He has averaged 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds through the first two games of this series while trying to slow down Nikola Jokic. Zubac is a finalist for the league's Most Improved Player award, and even if he doesn't win it, the strides that he has taken this season will help him get paid. He's in year one of a three-year, $58.7 million contract, which is a bargain for the Clippers. |
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