This scoring outburst was much needed for the Clippers since six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard was out for the second leg of a back-to-back due to injury management. Los Angeles was also without three-time All-Star Ben Simmons, who recently signed after his buyout with the Brooklyn Nets .

Fortunately for the Clippers, while they won't be getting their leading scorer back, they'll be getting a key bench player in Ben Simmons. Clippers head coach Ty Lue revealed that Simmons will be upgraded to available and return from a seven-game absence.

Ben Simmons is trending toward a return from an extended absence. The Los Angeles Clippers upgraded the point guard to questionable for Friday’s matchup with the Atlanta Hawks after he missed the last seven games due to a left knee injury.