The Clippers fell 106-114 at Toronto on Saturday, going 1-1 in the preseason behind 14 points from Rui Hachimura and 11 from Darius Garland. They now have four days before hosting Denver on Oct. 14, the date both Kobe Sanders and Bradley Beal are projected to return.
The loss in Toronto leaves the preseason split at one win apiece.
Toronto led by as many as 21 points and was never trailed by more than two, before a 34-point Clippers fourth quarter trimmed the final margin to 106-114. Hachimura led Los Angeles with 14 points on 3-of-8 shooting, and Garland added 11. The result follows a 104-101 opening result against Golden State on Oct. 4, putting the preseason at 1-1.
The next test comes at home against Denver in four days, the same date two return estimates are circled.
The Clippers do not play again until Oct. 14, when the Nuggets visit for a preseason game on NBA TV. Both Sanders (hip) and Beal (knee) carry an estimated return of that date, though neither has been cleared through two games so far. If both are ready, it would be the fullest healthy group Lue has had since camp opened.
Brandon Ingram's absence still has no date attached beyond November.
Ingram has not practiced with the team since his Achilles tear was diagnosed before camp, and his listed return is Nov. 1 — eleven days after the regular-season opener on Oct. 21, when the Kings visit. Strus, hurt in the Oct. 4 opener, carries his own estimate of Nov. 2 for a right foot injury. Both dates remain unchanged since first reported.
The clearest open question is whether Sanders and Beal actually suit up Tuesday.
Sanders has been out since Oct. 3 with his left hip, and Beal since Sept. 28 with his knee; neither has changed status since. An estimated return is not a confirmed clearance, and Lue has not had either man available yet this preseason. How the Clippers handle their minutes against Denver, if either plays, will be the first real health signal before the opener.
When do the Clippers play next?
They host the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 14 in a preseason game on NBA TV, after Saturday's 106-114 loss at Toronto put them at 1-1 this preseason.
Is Brandon Ingram close to returning?
No update has come since his Achilles tear was diagnosed before camp. His listed return is Nov. 1, after the Oct. 21 regular-season opener.
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