Bennedict

Mathurin

Collins was injured during the second quarter of Friday’s loss to the Lakers, when a hard fall led to a laceration over his eye and a sore neck. Bennedict Mathurin moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter, and that could be his role for Sunday’s game as well. Mathurin is already rostered in most leagues, but 10-team league managers need to ensure that he isn’t sitting on the waiver wire.

Mathurin followed up his 38-point home debut with another productive outing on Friday. He worked his way to the free-throw line consistently and, when he wasn’t at the stripe, shot relatively well from the floor. Mathurin eventually fouled out of this game during the fourth quarter, which left the Clippers without many scoring options after Kawhi Leonard (ankle) had already exited. If Leonard misses any time, Mathurin will likely function as the Clippers’ primary scorer.

Leonard exited the game midway through the fourth quarter with what’s being described as ankle soreness. He had tallied 31 points in as many minutes before exiting, leading all Clippers players in scoring. Leonard was replaced by Kris Dunn in the lineup after subbing out. If Leonard is forced to miss any time, Bennedict Mathurin immediately becomes the Clippers’ go-to offensive option.

Collins took a hard fall during the second quarter of Friday’s game, hitting the side of his head on the court after being bumped by Lakers center Jaxson Hayes while in mid-air. The Clippers’ forward was helped off the floor immediately and did not return. If Collins enters the concussion protocol, Benedict Mathurin appears to be the most likely replacement in the starting lineup.

Mathurin made quite the impression on Clippers fans in his home debut on Thursday, exploding for nearly 40 points off the bench while coming up big down the stretch to help secure victory. He shot very efficiently along the way to tying a career-high in points, and was great at the free-throw line as well. Mathurin also chipped in on the glass and tallied a few steals on the defensive end to round out what was a really good performance from him. He’ll take the floor again against the Lakers on Friday on the second game of a back-to-back.

Mathurin was held to just nine points in his debut for the Clippers, and while he still struggled with his shot in this game, he was able to get to the free throw line, which helped him score in double figures. He also finished with exactly three steals for a second straight game, which was never a strong category for him. Managers shouldn’t expect that to continue, but it has been a nice boost during his first two games as a Clipper.

Mathurin made his Clippers’ debut on Tuesday, coming off the bench and playing 26 minutes. While his shooting accuracy wasn’t good, Mathurin’s minutes and scoring opportunities were encouraging. Add in the rebounds, assists and steals, and there’s some room for optimism regarding Mathurin’s fantasy potential for the rest of this season. He isn’t a must-roster player yet, but keep an eye on him, starting with Wednesday’s rematch with the Rockets.

Mathurin and Jackson were dealt to LA as part of the trade that sent Ivica Zubac to the Pacers, and both will be available to debut for their new team against Houston. Mathurin could join the starting lineup immediately or, at the very least, operate as a microwave scorer off the bench. Jackson figures to see backup minutes at center behind Brook Lopez. Mathurin is worth rostering in standard fantasy leagues, but Jackson is not.

Without Ivica Zubac and James Harden, who were both traded ahead of Wednesday’s trade deadline, Leonard led the new-look Clippers to a win on Friday, ending a two-game skid. The two-time Finals MVP reached the 30-point mark for the first time since mid-January and set a new season-high in assists in the process. Leonard also fell one rebound short of a double-double, posting one of his more balanced performances of the season. Until the Clippers get their newly acquired players into the lineup, particularly Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, expect Leonard to shoulder most of the load on a nightly basis.

Mathurin will be the headliner back for the Clippers and will provide them with a young scorer with upside. When healthy this season, Mathurin was a high-level scorer in an increased role, and he should be able to keep that going with the Clippers. The former lottery pick was never able to develop into the player the Pacers hoped he would become, but he’ll get the chance to reach his potential on a Clippers team that is starting to pivot towards the future.