For the game, the Clippers could remain without one of their best players, as Ben Simmons is on the injury report. The former LSU star has missed each of the previous seven games, so this would be his eighth straight out of action (if he doesn't play).

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.

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.

The LA Clippers are two steps closer to whole as they wrap up their road trip in Atlanta on Friday night. Guard/forward Ben Simmons and head coach Tyronn Lue have both been absent for a period of time,

Guys like Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Ben Simmons continue to miss time, leaving most of the responsibility to fall on Harden. Luckily for the Clippers, they are starting to get some of their key pieces back.