Clippers' Paul George: Set to resume workouts next week
Rotowire
George (knee) said Monday in his latest episode of "Podcast P with Paul George" that he plans to resume working out next week, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
George missed the final eight games of the regular season as well as the entirety of the Clippers' first-round playoff series loss to the Suns in late April, but he may have had a chance to return from his right knee sprain had LA made a deeper run in the postseason. Due to the Clippers being eliminated in the first round, however, George has taken a less aggressive approach to his rehab process, though he'll take the first meaningful steps forward in his recovery beginning next week. The 33-year-old wing is expected to have a relatively normal offseason as he heads into the third season of his four-year, $176.27 million contract extension in 2023-24.
George (knee) is expected to miss the Clippers' entire first-round playoff series against the Suns, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Though George is said to be progressing from the sprained right knee he suffered March 21, the Clippers aren't counting on him being in position to play at any point in the next week and a half. George made his eighth All-Star appearance this season and averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.8 three-pointers and 1.5 steals in 34.6 minutes per game over 56 contests before being shut down with the injury.
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Clippers' Paul George: Won't be rushed back
Rotowire
George (knee) won't be rushed back for the Western Conference First Round against the Suns, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
George had already been ruled out for the start of the Clippers' first-round series, but coach Tyronn Lue said Friday that the team won't rush the guard back until his knee is stable, which may not occur during the series against Phoenix. The 32-year-old resumed shooting this week without a brace but is still working on getting back to full speed, and Murray reports that George is targeting a return in the semifinals if the Clippers advance. If he's unavailable against the Suns, Eric Gordon, Norman Powell and Terance Mann are candidates to see increased run to begin the playoffs.
Clippers' Paul George: Expected to miss start of playoffs
Rotowire
George (knee) is expected to be sidelined to begin the Clippers' first-round playoff series against the Suns, which begins April 16, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
George hasn't been ruled out for entire first-round series yet, but it does sound like he's expected to miss at least the first game in Phoenix next Sunday. The superstar forward was given a 2-to-3 week timeline after suffering the knee sprain March 22, but the team said Saturday that he still doesn't have a return timetable in place, which suggests George isn't close to game action. Luckily, he has another week before the Clippers need to make any decisions about his availability past Game 1, so he'll presumably have plenty of time to rehab before another update is provided. In George's expected absence, Eric Gordon, Norman Powell and Terance Mann are candidates for increased roles to start the playoffs.
George (knee) still doesn't have a timetable for a return to action, Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times reports.
George was given a 2-to-3-week timeline for return on March 22 and was expected to miss the entirety of the regular season. With the Play In just three days away and the Clippers a half-game ahead of the No. 8 seed, it's certainly a discouraging update. For as long as he remains out, Eric Gordon, Norman Powell and Terance Mann should all see expanded roles.
