Who Are the Clippers Players to Watch in Their Preseason Opener?
The Los Angeles Clippers are set to launch their preseason on October 12th with a high-profile matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The game tips off at 6 p.m. PST inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. While preseason results rarely define a season, this first contest carries extra weight. It's the first time the Clippers will play a game since the allegations against the organization have come out, and it comes against the 2023 NBA champions.
The atmosphere in Inglewood is expected to be electric, with fans eager to witness how this veteran-heavy Clippers squad looks after another offseason of retooling. Opening against Denver provides both a challenge and an opportunity. This allows them to measure up against a team led by Nikola Jokić, the three-time MVP who orchestrated the Nuggets’ championship run. He will immediately test the Clippers’ defensive schemes and rotations.
For the Clippers, preseason is less about wins and losses and more about cohesion. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden headline the roster, but their health and chemistry will be under the microscope from the very first tip. Fans will be eager to see how Chris Paul, in his first official action back in a Clippers uniform, integrates with the offense. Paul’s playmaking and leadership could prove invaluable, particularly when staggered alongside Harden. Even in limited minutes, his ability to stabilize the offense and control tempo will be a key storyline.
Another player to watch is Bogdan Bogdanović, whose perimeter shooting experience makes him a valuable floor spacemaker in LA’s revamped lineup. His ability to knock down threes and move without the ball should help open driving lanes for the stars. His performance in the preseason opener could offer a preview of how head coach Tyronn Lue wants to stagger the offense between starters and role players. Alongside him, Ivica Zubac will have the unenviable task of battling Jokić in the paint. This challenge should offer early insight into how the Clippers plan to handle elite big men throughout the season.
Beyond the stars, preseason is also about evaluating depth. Expect minutes for younger players and offseason additions who are fighting for rotation spots. Their ability to contribute will be critical over an 82-game season, especially given the team’s history with injuries. While the final score won’t define the Clippers’ year, the October 12th matchup will set the tone. A competitive showing against Denver could build early confidence, while another game in the Intuit Dome ensures the night will be memorable regardless. For fans, it’s the first glimpse of whether this veteran group can finally translate its talent into sustained success, and perhaps its best shot yet at bringing a championship banner to Inglewood.
