The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Los Angeles Clippers in this Western Conference clash at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Update Injury for Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers
On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 101-100, their eighth victory in their last 10 contests.
Los Angeles fell to 19-17 at home on the season after suffering their second straight loss. At the moment, they are one game ahead of the Golden State Warriors for fifth place in the Western Conference.
After Paul George went down with 4:38 remaining, the Clippers were in a strong position to pull off the upset. There was a turn in the game, and now George’s status for this match is in doubt due to a knee injury.
In the fourth quarter, George was helped off the court after he apparently injured his leg after colliding with guard Luguentz Dort’s knee.
Fans have pointed out that four years ago, George may have broken the same leg in two places while playing for the United States national team.
When George’s foot slammed into the stanchion at the bottom of the backboard, he suffered a horrific tibia fracture. His lower leg bone snapped and bent at a 90-degree angle.
According to Head Coach Ty Lue, he did not get to see George after the game because George had to be evaluated and treated. The Clippers have not commented on George’s injury since he was carted out of the Crypto.com Arena with his right leg extended.
Reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski state that George will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks after MRI results showed he has a sprained right knee.
It’s likely that George’s injury will keep him out for the rest of the season.
As the Clippers are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference, he may be able to return for postseason play.
With Norman Powell (shoulder) also out, the chances rise that Eric Gordon, Terance Mann, and Nicolas Batum will take on larger roles.
Kawhi Leonard had 21 points (7-16 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-7 FT), six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 38 minutes of action, leading the team.
Leonard hasn’t had any limitations on his playing time in weeks; in fact, he’s played at least 35 minutes in each of his last six appearances (with the exception of resting for one leg of back-to-back sets).
Because Paul George (knee) was carted off the court in the final moments of Tuesday’s game and appears destined to miss time, Kawhi Leonard will likely continue to see a significant increase in his playing time and offensive responsibilities.
There is no doubt that Leonard’s consumption will skyrocket over the next week, and maybe longer depending on George’s prognosis.
Now, Los Angeles must rely on their defense to win games, as they rank ninth in the NBA in points allowed per contest (112.4). They’ve given up an average of 107.4 points per contest in their previous five, and 109.5 at home this year overall. Four of their last six opponents were held to 102 points or less by Los Angeles’s stingy defense.
The Thunder have won three of their last four road games and are 14-21 away from Oklahoma City. The Thunder are currently 0.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the Western Conference, which puts them in seventh place.
Injury report Thunder:
- Kenrich Williams (Wrist) – Out for the season
- Chet Holmgren (Foot) – Out for the season
Injury report Clippers:
- Paul George (Knee) – Out
- Brandon Boston Jr. (Lower Body) – Out
- Norman Powell (Shoulder) – Out
