"I don’t think I can say that" - Ty Lue Refuses to Name Players After Clippers Abruptly Scrap Practice as Panic Grows

The LA Clippers’ forgettable start to the 2025-26 season took a turn for the worse on Saturday when the team was unable to hold a full practice as planned. Coach Ty Lue confirmed that several players were unavailable but declined to name them.

The Clippers had to scrap their scheduled on-court work. Instead of running drills or scrimmages, the team held only a film session. Lue explained that the decision was made simply because there were not enough healthy players to practice.

According to Lue, Nicolas Batum had to leave practice midway after feeling unwell. A few other players were also unable to participate; however, he did not provide further details.

“Nico (Batum) had to go home sick, and we had a couple of guys that weren't going to be able to practice today,” Lue said. “So, I thought our film session was really good. I thought our guys understood what we were looking for, what we were talking about."

“Tomorrow we'd be able to go live, hopefully get some more bodies back,” Lue continued. “So, just having a film session, the guys that were healthy, being able to do individual stuff and do what they need to do. And then tomorrow, hopefully we got a whole day to be able to practice.”

Lue refused to provide any information about the other missing players or the reasons behind their absences, further fueling concern among fans.

“Who else wasn't able to go today?” a reporter asked.

“I can't say anything. I don’t think I can say that,” Lue replied.

The Clippers are already in deep trouble, with this latest issue only adding to the growing frustration. James Harden and co. are sitting 14th in the East with a 6-19 record, having lost eight of their last nine games.

James Harden creates history amid Clippers’ turmoil

On Dec. 6, James Harden put up a 34-point explosion against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the Clippers' 109-106 loss, Harden was still the star of the night.

With that scoring outburst, Harden moved past Carmelo Anthony to claim 10th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

“Blessing,” Harden said. “A testament to the work I’ve put in.”

In what has otherwise been a difficult season for the Clippers, Harden has emerged as one of the few positive takeaways. The 2018 MVP has appeared in 24 games so far, averaging 26.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.2 assists during that stretch.