February 13th, 2024 at 10:50pm CST by Dana Gauruder
As the NBA season continues its course, developments within the Pacific Division are shaping the dynamics of the league. Here’s a roundup of the latest news and updates from the division:
Zubac’s Minutes Restriction: Ivica Zubac, the center for the Los Angeles Clippers, has been navigating a minutes restriction since his return from a calf injury, reports Janis Carr of the Orange County Register. Zubac has been averaging 20.5 minutes across four games, with an impressive performance of 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Despite his restricted playing time, Zubac maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of trusting the process and aiming to maximize his impact on the court.
Green’s Suspension Impact on Warriors’ Resurgence: Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors believes that his recent 16-game league suspension played a role in the team’s resurgence, according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. The Warriors have embarked on a five-game winning streak during Green’s absence, necessitating adjustments in their lineup. Jonathan Kuminga emerged as a starter in Green’s stead, while other young players seized the opportunity to crack the rotation. Green acknowledges the silver lining in his suspension, noting that it allowed the team to explore different strategies and rotations, contributing to their recent success.
Beal’s Hamstring Injury: Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns departed Tuesday’s game early due to a left hamstring injury, as reported by Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports. Beal’s injury adds to the Suns’ concerns as they navigate their season, highlighting the importance of managing player health and workload.
Impending Addition of Thaddeus Young to Suns: The impending addition of Thaddeus Young to the Phoenix Suns promises to bolster the team’s size and physicality, writes Bourguet. Young’s versatility as a small-ball center and offensive connector offers valuable depth to the Suns’ roster, providing additional options for lineup configurations and strategic deployments.
Interest in Danilo Gallinari: Despite the imminent signing of Thaddeus Young, the Phoenix Suns have reportedly shown interest in Danilo Gallinari, who was waived by the Pistons after the trade deadline, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. With a roster spot still open, the Suns weigh their options as they consider adding Gallinari to their lineup. However, the recent acquisitions of forwards Royce O’Neale and David Roddy via trade add complexity to the decision-making process, leaving the pursuit of Gallinari uncertain.
Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Update: Kawhi Leonard, star player for the Los Angeles Clippers, will miss the upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors due to a left adductor strain, tweets ESPN’s Marc J. Spears. This marks Leonard’s fifth missed game of the season as he continues to manage his injury, underscoring the importance of player health and rehabilitation protocols for the Clippers.
As the season progresses, teams within the Pacific Division navigate injuries, roster adjustments, and strategic considerations, shaping the competitive landscape of the NBA. Stay tuned for further updates as the season unfolds.
