Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue has decided to shake up his starting lineup, with Nicolas Batum taking over from Robert Covington. Batum’s inclusion in the starting five will see Covington providing a boost off the bench.
Batum has been in excellent form this season, averaging 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting at an impressive 42.4% from the field and 43.4% from beyond the arc. He has also been a key contributor on the defensive end, averaging 1.2 steals per game.
Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) on the Clippers starting lineup change:
"Batum has just been flat-out better than Marcus Morris. He's a better defensive player… I had a "10 Things" item a few weeks ago about just Marcus Morris' slippage on defense. His inability to switch and keep… pic.twitter.com/x2J1u2b8oK
— Unbiased NBA Fan (@nonbiasednbafan) March 28, 2023
Covington, on the other hand, has struggled to find his rhythm this season, shooting at just 34.1% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc. Despite his struggles, he has remained an active and engaged defender, averaging 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
Lue’s decision to start Batum is aimed at bringing stability and consistency to the starting lineup. With Covington providing a scoring punch off the bench, the Clippers will hope to maintain their position as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
The Clippers are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 38-19 record. With the playoffs looming, Lue’s lineup change could prove crucial in helping the team make a deep run.
