NBA Playoffs: SHOCKING UPDATE for LA Clippers all-star ahead of anticipated first-round vs Suns
Paul George's Injury and Status for the 2023 NBA Playoffs: Clippers' Playoff Run at Risk
Paul George (image via Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
The Los Angeles Clippers are set to begin their playoff series against the Phoenix Suns without the services of one of their key players, small forward Paul George. George is likely to miss the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs due to a knee sprain, which is a major setback for the Clippers.
The Clippers will face a formidable task against the Suns, who have a talented lineup led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul, especially in the absence of George. George sustained the injury during a game with the Thunder on March 21 when he collided with Lu Dort, causing his leg to jerk back.
Fortunately, an MRI scan revealed that there was no damage to George’s knee ligaments. However, the Clippers announced that he would be re-evaluated in two to three weeks.
As of Wednesday, it has been exactly three weeks since George’s injury occurred, and there is still no definitive timetable for his return. The team has confirmed that he is likely to miss the entire first-round series against the Suns.
George, however, remains optimistic about his chances of returning to the court later in the playoffs. In a recent episode of his “Podcast P with Paul George,” he provided fans with an update on his progress.
“I’ve been feeling better,” he said. “I’ve been working my butt off, I’ve been grinding. Literally every day, six days out of the week, I’m training, I’m doing rehab. I’m gonna give it every chance I got, man, this is coming down to the wire.”
The Clippers’ success in the playoffs will likely depend on whether they can make it past the Suns without George’s contributions. Although Kawhi Leonard looks to be in top form heading into the postseason, the loss of George’s scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities will undoubtedly be felt by the team.
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Paul George’s Potential Return and the Clippers’ Playoff Prospects
Despite being ruled out of the first round of the playoffs, George’s return to the court later in the postseason remains a possibility. However, his status is currently uncertain, and it is unclear when or if he will be able to play this year.
The Clippers will undoubtedly be hoping for George’s return as they look to make a deep playoff run. His absence in the first round against the Suns will put added pressure on Leonard, who will need to carry much of the scoring burden for the team.
Fortunately for the Clippers, Leonard appears to be in excellent form heading into the playoffs. The forward has been averaging 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season, and he will be a key player for the team in George’s absence.
The Clippers will also be relying on other players to step up in George’s absence. Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, and Nicolas Batum will all need to contribute significantly if the team hopes to make it past the Suns and into the later rounds of the playoffs.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)