The Los Angeles Clippers have had a difficult season due to injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but have managed to stay afloat without them long enough to secure a spot in the NBA play-in tournament next week.
It seems that the Clippers may be getting healthy at just the right time for a postseason run. The team got George back last week and now it sounds like they will also get back another key piece for the playoffs.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that veteran guard Norman Powell is expected to return for the Clippers’ Wednesday matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell — out since Feb. 12 with a broken foot — plans to make his return vs. Phoenix tonight, sources tell ESPN. A final decision on his availability will come after pre-game warmups. Another significant Clipper headed back before the playoffs.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 6, 2022
Powell has only played in two games since being traded to the Clippers at the NBA trade deadline. He has been extremely productive so far this season when on the court, averaging 18.8 points per game.
Powell has not played in an NBA game since February 12 while recovering from a broken foot, but many around the NBA world think that if he can get up to speed quickly, he can be a huge piece in a potential playoff run.
Clippers coming off the IR like: https://t.co/rpa0BwXktQ pic.twitter.com/8FzYJiuTIh
— Danny Marang (@DannyMarang) April 6, 2022
Clippers, like the Nets, aren't going to be your normal Play-In type of team. https://t.co/2l3GDk4PGo
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) April 6, 2022
Although this is a big help for the Clippers, others are waiting on potential news about Kawhi Leonard, who is said to be “way ahead of schedule” on his recovery and could come back this postseason should Los Angeles make it out of the play-in tournament.
Clippers are a terrifying 7/8 seed and we haven't even completely ruled out Kawhi yet https://t.co/aD1ISjUmbX
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) April 6, 2022
First Paul George, now Norm.. Kawhi about to shock the world and come back for playoffs https://t.co/boODhQ6nXY
— IceBurg❄️ (@Alex_Burger7) April 6, 2022
“Special. If all three guys are back then, we can definitely be special,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue recently told @Andscape. https://t.co/k8YndlWV8l https://t.co/mwnNBta0Wg
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) April 6, 2022
If the Clippers were able to get Leonard back for the postseason, they may be a true dark horse to make it out of the Western Conference. Even without Leonard, the return of Powell will be very valuable going forward as they try to battle their way out of the play-in tournament next week.