Collins will start Sunday's preseason game against the Nuggets, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.
Collins will enter the starting lineup due to Bogdan Bogdanovic (back) being out of the lineup. Collins played well in the team's exhibition game against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions on Thursday, logging 15 points, four rebounds and a steal in 17 minutes.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' John Collins: Thrives off bench
Rotowire
Collins logged 15 points (6-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and one steal across 17 minutes of Thursday's 142-95 preseason win over the Guangzhou Loong-Lions.
Collins came off the bench Thursday behind Derrick Jones, but the Clippers are still experimenting with lineups. In fact, head coach Tyronn Lue said Collins will get a chance in the starting lineup Sunday against Denver. If Thursday was any indication, Collins looks rejuvenated to be playing with a contender after a messy season in Utah.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' John Collins: Opening preseason in bench role
Rotowire
Collins will come off the bench for Thursday's preseason game against the Guangzhou Loong Lions, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.
The Clippers haven't revealed much about what Collins' role will look like heading into the 2025-26 regular season, so this is one of the team's first indications of what to expect. However, head coach Tyronn Lue stated before Thursday's exhibition that Collins would enter the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup, per independent NBA writer Justin Russo, so he's sure to get his opportunities to prove he belongs with the first unit as the preseason unfolds.
... See More... See Less
Clippers' John Collins: Coach Lue non-committal on role
Rotowire
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters he "can't remember" if Collins will start at power forward, per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com.
Coach Lue confirmed Bradley Beal will start in the backcourt alongside James Harden but was less forthcoming regarding the forward slots. Collins is, in theory, battling against Derrick Jones for a starting role. Either way, Collins should be a sizable part of Lue's game plan, presumably seeing minutes in the mid-20s at the lowest.
The Jazz traded Collins (ankle) to the Clippers on Monday in a three-team deal that sent Norman Powell to Miami, while Utah received Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a 2027 second-round pick, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
After appearing in only 40 regular-season games in 2024-25, Collins exercised his $26.58 million player option for 2025-26. Given the current trajectory in Utah, it was only a matter of time before Collins' expiring contract was moved. The veteran's fit in Los Angeles remains unclear, but whether he's starting in the frontcourt with Kawhi Leonard or operating in a sixth-man role, Collins should be a key piece for the Clippers next season.
0:44
2:17
1:21
1:02
1:31
1:26
1:30
0:58
2:09
1:57
1:53
3:14
4:10
1:09
2:26
