Getty Images Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently riding a seven-game winning streak. This includes victories over the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies.
On Wednesday, the Clippers defeated the Grizzlies after overcoming a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, going on to win 121-119. The Clippers also picked up the victory without superstar Kawhi Leonard as he was on the bench due to injury management of a left sore knee, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
The date with Memphis was the team’s second game of a back-to-back. It wasn’t a surprise to see Leonard sidelined as he hasn’t participated in both games of a back-to-back so far this season. Though the Clippers missed Leonard they were still able to perform late in the fourth and get the victory.
Tomorrow night the Clippers wrap up their three-game road trip against the San Antonio Spurs. Per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, fans can expect to see the team’s dynamic duo as their injury report only lists Landry Shamet and Rodney McGruder as out for this game. Since Leonard and Paul George’s debut together against the Celtics, the team has gone undefeated, with a 4-0 record.
Clippers Injuries vs. Spurs
Getty ImagesLandry Shamet of the Los Angeles Clippers
As of now, two players on the Clippers roster are listed with injuries. Shamet suffered a grade 2 high sprain on his left ankle during the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 11, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. With 1:45 remaining in the third quarter, Shamet was defending Raptors’ Fred VanVleet who was going up for a layup when his foot appeared to make contact with Shamet’s left foot. Shamet fell to the floor in pain and was helped off of the court. Since his injury, Shamet has not seen the floor and Clippers reporter Jovan Buha detailed the average recovery time for a Grade 2 high ankle sprain is 6-12 weeks. With that being said, it has only been two weeks, so fans can expect for Shamet’s return likely between Christmas time and early February.
Last night against the Grizzlies, McGruder left the game with a leg injury. McGruder, who started in place of Leonard, was going up for a layup on a fast break when he appeared to pull a muscle as he was clutching his hamstring. He left the game with seven points on 3-of-7 shooting (1-of-3 beyond the arc), five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
So far this season, Shamet is averaging 9.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists. McGruder is averaging 4.0 points and 2.4 rebounds.
The last time the Clippers went up against the Spurs they barely earned the victory, winning by only six. The team was still missing PG-13 as he was recovering from surgeries on both of his shoulders. On Wednesday, the Clippers should have both Leonard and George.
So far this season, Leonard is averaging 25.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists. George is averaging 24.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and four assists. With both elite players being in tomorrow night, the Clippers have a great shot to wrap up their road trip with a victory to extend their win stretch to eight games.