The Los Angeles Clippers are 6–1 since Ivica Zubac went down with an injury, and Kawhi Leonard is playing at his best in that stretch. Is that just a coincidence — or has Zubac’s absence fundamentally changed how this team functions?

Kawhi Leonard score 35 points and James Harden scored 32 to move into ninth place on the NBA's career scoring list, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Charlotte Hornets 117-109 for their fourth win in five games.

Brown and Kawhi headline a night of key matchups, with Zubac back, and White set to test Harden in the backcourt.

The LA Clippers closed out the calendar year on a strong note, securing a five-game winning streak after Tuesday night’s dominant win over the Sacramento Kings. Kawhi Leonard and co.

Other teams are also monitoring one particular Clippers player, Ivica Zubac, should he become available via trade.

The Los Angeles Clippers may have to make a difficult decision on Ivica Zubac if they keep winning in his absence.