Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George has been sidelined since March 21st. George sprained his knee in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Many questioned whether or not he will be available in the postseason for Los Angeles. An update on his rehab process on Monday gave some insight into the possibility.
The Clippers are set to face off against the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs. He will likely be inactive early on in the series. However, it seems like he is at least heading in the right direction toward getting healthy.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, George is expected to miss the beginning of their matchup against Phoenix. However, he detailed that he is making “some tangible progress” from his injury.
Sources: Clippers star Paul George is expected to be sidelined to begin the first-round playoff series against the Suns, but is making some tangible progress from his March 21 knee injury.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2023
This is obviously unclear regarding if or when George will ultimately return in the postseason. Regardless, many around the NBA world are happy that there is at least a chance that he could return this year.
Paul George is working out hard for a return, but I would still expect him to be out in the 1st round. Said this in March, Clippers will need a strong playoff push for him to come back. https://t.co/p9fDgWPo3B
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 10, 2023
Paul George (knee) is expected to miss the start of the Clippers' first round playoff series vs. the Suns, per @ShamsCharania
The Clips are 12-14 without George this season. pic.twitter.com/xBEWWGZew5
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) April 10, 2023
Latest on Paul George #NBA https://t.co/NdsZm47S3L
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) April 10, 2023
The Clippers minus Paul George = a whole lot of Russell Westbrook and that = a Suns round 1 victory. https://t.co/ywZnUlh0yg
— Jody Oehler (@radiojody) April 10, 2023
It can not be understated how important George is to this Clippers team. He has averaged 23.8 points per game along with 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists on the year.
George recently discussed his recovery process on his podcast, detailed that he believe that it is “coming down to the wire” in terms of potentially returning to action.
“I’ve been grinding like literally every day. Six days out of the week I’m training, I’m doing rehab. I’ma give it every chance I got man. This is coming down to the wire.”
Paul George says on his new Podcast P episode that he's working out several hours a day but said his recovery is "coming down to the wire."
His quotes from the episode: pic.twitter.com/Al0sY3DfvN
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 10, 2023
Considering how impressive the Suns have looked since acquiring star forward Kevin Durant, the Clippers are certainly hoping that Paul George can return sooner rather than later.