Paul George Expected to Pick Up Slack Without Kawhi Leonard

For the first time in a long time, Paul George will be the only star on the floor for a playoff game. His running mate, Kawhi Leonard, is now out indefinitely with a knee sprain. George and the Los Angeles Clippers are losing 30 points a game, a top-tier defender, and a late-game closer. 

With the Clippers tied 2-2 and the series heading back to Utah, the burden of leading the team falls on George. In some respects, that can bode trouble for the Clippers. George seems to have terrible games in the biggest moments. However, he has played well during this series, with the exception of Game 1. George is averaging 27.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

WynnBET is projecting George carries the offensive load a little more tonight. His player prop for points and assists is set at 34.5, with the odds for the under (-120) slightly favored to the over (-112). For the postseason, George is averaging just over 30 points and assists combined. While I normally wouldn’t put my faith into Paul George, he is in a good rhythm. George has scored 31 in the last two games and averaged 4.5 assists, without the offense running through him every play.

Now George will be the one starting, creating, and finishing possessions. 

George has had trouble in Utah before, but Game 2 was a big improvement upon Game 1. That suggests that whatever demons he’s fighting in Salt Lake City are closer to being demolished. 

Expect George to pick up the slack tonight. Whether that continues to pull the series out is yet to be seen, but Game 5 should be a good one for George.