Bogdan

Bogdanovic

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 “point men” 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.

With Kawhi Leonard sidelined for the first leg of the Clippers’ back-to-back, Jones Jr. slid into the starting unit. The increase in minutes allowed him to have his highest-scoring performance since January. Jones Jr. wasn’t the only Clipper to benefit from Leonard’s absence; Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in 19 points, two rebounds, four assists and two three-pointers off the bench in the win. Both players will lose out on minutes and shots against the Rockets with Kawhi available on Wednesday, though Jones Jr. will take the bigger hit.

As expected, Jones Jr. will get the starting nod with Kawhi Leonard sitting out the first leg of the Clippers’ back-to-back. He should be back to play Houston on Wednesday, which will push Jones Jr. to the bench for that game. Bogdan Bogdanovic should also take on extra minutes off the bench.

Tuesday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Clippers, who host the Rockets on Wednesday. While Leonard played both games of the team’s most recent back-to-back, that does not guarantee he’ll do the same this time. Derrick Jones Jr. is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup if Kawhi sits, while Norman Powell and Bogdan Bogdanovic would have higher offensive ceilings.

For the first time this season, Leonard is available for both games of a back-to-back. With the Clippers blowing out the Mavericks on Friday, he only needed to play 24 minutes. For the rematch, Leonard will be limited to 25-30 minutes. Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic miss out on boosts to their respective fantasy values with Leonard in the lineup.

While Bogdanovic has been a solid addition to the Clippers’ roster, his production has tailed off over the past two weeks. During this stretch, he’s ranked outside the top 200 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Wednesday was one of Bogdanovic’s good nights, but he’s only reached double figures in four of his last eight appearances. He remains rostered in 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but that’s due more to the expectations for Bogdanovic while he was with the Hawks than what he’s done recently.

Bogdanovic is available after being listed as questionable with a knee injury. The 32-year-old shooting guard could squeeze Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. for minutes in the rotation with Kawhi Leonard also back in the lineup.

Amir Coffey (knee) is out. Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. could see additional minutes if Bogdanovic is sidelined, but with Kawhi Leonard back, LA could tighten up its rotation against a formidable Magic team.

Coffey played four minutes before exiting Sunday’s game with a sore left knee. The Clippers were already without Kawhi Leonard, so they’ll finish the game down two rotation wings. Bogdan Bogdanovic should log additional minutes for the Clippers, who visit the Magic on Monday.

While Miller’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, that is not the case for Leonard sitting out for injury management reasons. His absence opens up a place in the starting lineup, with Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic being potential replacements. While Jones is the superior defender, Bogdanovic offers a far higher offensive ceiling.