The Los Angeles Clippers are in a playoff race, currently sitting in a precarious position as they seek to secure a top-six seed in the Western Conference. After a satisfying 114-98 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Clippers maintained their place in the tightly contested race with other teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies, each holding a 44-32 record. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of health and performance in these final games.

With only six regular-season games remaining, the Clippers' focus is on finishing strong without entering the play-in tournament. Key players, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, contributed significantly to the recent victory, with Leonard scoring 28 points and Harden achieving a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, highlighting their potential in the upcoming playoff scenarios.

The Los Angeles Clippers are in a tight race for a top-six seed in the Western Conference, currently holding the No. 7 spot. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and health as they aim to avoid the play-in tournament. Their recent victory over the New Orleans Pelicans showcased a balanced offensive effort, with Kawhi Leonard scoring 28 points and James Harden contributing a double-double. The Clippers face competition from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies, all tied in record, making every remaining game crucial as the regular season winds down.

The NBA betting scene is heating up with exciting prop bets for today's games. Domantas Sabonis is projected to shine, especially with Myles Turner sidelined for the Indiana Pacers, boosting his expected points and rebounds total to 31.5. Kawhi Leonard has a favorable line at 21.5 points against the Orlando Magic, having surpassed this mark in his last eight games, making him a top target for fantasy players looking for reliable scoring. Additionally, Kel'el Ware is an intriguing option for rebounding, as he faces a Wizards team struggling to contain opponent rebounds.

As Friday's NBA slate approaches, injury concerns loom large, impacting the potential for fantasy lineups. Key players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry, face uncertainties that could drastically change their teams' dynamics. As the night progresses, monitoring these situations will be crucial for maximizing fantasy points.

The Knicks and Bucks matchup is particularly noteworthy; should Giannis be ruled in, the spread could shift significantly. Meanwhile, several lopsided lines indicate the likelihood of high-scoring games, especially for matchups exceeding projected totals of 225 points. Players like Nikola Jokic, if cleared to play, promise high usage rates, particularly without Jamal Murray. Other potential chalk plays like James Harden and Kevin Durant continue to deliver solid fantasy returns, making them attractive options this Friday.

Kawhi Leonard's recent performance has reignited confidence in the Los Angeles Clippers as they battle for a solid playoff position in the NBA. After a tumultuous season marred by injuries, Leonard showcased his elite skills against the New York Knicks, scoring 27 points with a stellar second half leading his team to a 126-113 victory. His ability to navigate defenses with precision, combined with strong support from teammates like Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell, has propelled the Clippers to a 9-2 record in their last 11 games, allowing them to climb into the Western Conference playoff picture.

Leonard's resurgence has been critical as he averages over 25 points and 7 rebounds while improving his efficiency on the court. As the Clippers gear up for the final stretch of the season, their defense remains among the best in the league, indicating a potential threat to higher-seeded teams come playoff time.