L.A. Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari is feeling optimistic that he’ll finally be able to return to action this week. According to Clippers beat reporter Brad Turner, Gallinari is looking at Wednesday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves as his comeback game from a left glue injury.
Danilo Gallinari said he hopes to play for Clippers Wednesday night against Minnesota at Staples Center. Gallinari has been playing two-on-two. Said strained left glute is improving
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) December 3, 2017
Here's a look at Gallinari just before this past Tuesday's practice getting shots up and moving well.
Danilo Gallinari getting shots up before today's practice. Knocked down 12-of-13 shots here and looks to be moving well. #Clippers would sure love him back. pic.twitter.com/lfXtFLlOW8
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 29, 2017
Gallinari, who was shipped by the Denver Nuggets to the Clippers back in the offseason as part of a blockbuster three-team trade, hasn’t been seen on the court since a Nov. 5 game against the Miami Heat in which the 29-year-old forward sustained what was earlier reported as a left hip contusion. Counting this Sunday’s road game against Minnesota, Gallinari has missed 13-straight games, a streak he couldn’t wait to end.Before he suffered the said injury, Gallinari was averaging 12.8 points per game.
There won’t be a lack of work for him once he makes his return with the Clippers dealing with a depleted roster that also currently doesn’t have the services of Pat Beverley, Milos Teodosic, Blake Griffin due to various health issues.
With Griffin and Gallinari out, the Clippers are maximizing the use of what’s left of their thin frontline. Montrezl Harrell, Sam Dekker, and Wesley Johnson are all trying their best to mitigate the impact of the absences of Griffin and Gallinari via a committee approach, but it's hard to replace a duo that contributes so much to the team.
Follow Us
Subscribe