The LA Clippers will likely be without standout swingman Paul George for at least some of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, George is expected to begin that series on the sideline as he recovers from the right knee sprain he suffered on March 21 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The best-of-seven series will begin on April 16, although the full schedule for the series has yet to be determined. During George’s absence, the Clippers went 6-3 down the stretch to lock up the No. 5 seed and avoid the AT&T Play-In Tournament.
George got hurt against the Thunder when he hit the court after getting fouled by Luguentz Dort with 4:38 remaining. In obvious pain and surrounded by his teammates, George stayed down for several minutes after suffering his injury.
Supported by staff on either side, George headed to the locker room, appearing unable to put any weight on his right leg. There was no immediate update on George after the game and Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said he was still being evaluated. George later left the arena on the back of a cart with his right leg extended.
An All-Star this season, George averaged 23.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 55 games.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
