The Los Angeles Clippers must solidify their playoff positioning without Paul George.
George left Tuesday night’s 101-100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, tests confirmed the eight-time All-Star suffered a sprained right knee.
He’ll be re-evaluated in two to three weeks, likely ruling out George for the final nine games of the regular season.
ESPN Sources: After imaging today, Clippers star Paul George has a sprained right knee and will be re-evaluated in 2-to-3 weeks. pic.twitter.com/jgYytDarfs
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 22, 2023
When jumping up for a rebound, George’s knee collided with Thunder guard Luguentz Dort before landing awkwardly. He left the arena on a cart.
In 56 games this season, his most since joining the Clippers in 2019, George has averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
The Clippers are fifth in a tightly contested Western Conference at 38-35. Only 2.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans, currently tied for 11th, they can’t afford to slump toward the stretch without George.
Based on the reported timeline, the team will re-evaluate George around the regular season’s April 9 end date. The Clippers can only hope he’s cleared for the playoffs.