The Los Angeles Clippers limped their way into the playoffs, but they still were able to secure the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
Their reward?
A highly-anticipated matchup between two former teammates in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and a first-round series with the Phoenix Suns.
Needless to say, this isn’t exactly the prize one would ask for after such a long grind and a tough NBA season, but it is what it is.
And more than that, it seems like Tyronn Lue won’t be at full strength when they hit the road to travel to the desert.
Per insider Shams Charania, Clippers star Paul George isn’t close to being back on the floor just yet.
“They are gonna have to get out of this series without PG if they want a chance potentially to get him back,” Sharania said on FanDuel TV.
“[The Clippers] are gonna have to get out of this series without [Paul George] if they want a chance potentially to get him back”@ShamsCharania with the latest on Paul George's injury, as the #Clippers will face the #Suns in 1st Round of Playoffs#RunItBack #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/J9kyNFafEn
— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) April 10, 2023
George, who missed the final stretch of the season with a knee sprain, still hasn’t been cleared for contact, so the Clippers may need to get past the Suns without him.
Charania added that there’s a chance we see George back on the floor if the Clippers beat the Suns, adding that Kawhi Leonard’s stellar level could lead to an upset if some of the Suns’ players have an off night.
Still, that will be quite an uphill battle for Leonard and Westbrook, as the Suns are undefeated with Durant in the lineup, and they might as well be the most stacked team in the league right now.
Once again, injuries will prevent the Clippers from unleashing their full potential in the playoffs, which is ironic considering they advocate for load management more than any other team in the league.
NEXT: Kawhi Leonard Has A Message For His Teammates Ahead Of Playoff Run
