Add another player to already depleted L.A. Clippers roster. Guard Patrick Beverley sat out Tuesday night's open practice at USC's Galen Center due to a sore right knee, only further shortening the rotational players the Clippers have to work with.
With just a preseason back-to-back against the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers remaining, which is followed by five days off until the NBA season tips off for the Clippers, Beverley joins Danilo Gallinari, Sam Dekker, and Austin Rivers as guys dealing with injuries.
“I know Gallo's really close to returning,” said head coach Doc Rivers ahead of Wednesday's practice in L.A. “I would expect him to play in one of the two games. Sam will probably play in one of the two games, if not probably both games.
“My guess is Patrick and Austin are out for both of the preseason games, so that's obviously not the best of news. Moving forward, we hope both are back for Game 1.”
Gallinari has been dealing with a sprained right foot likely suffered in the second game the Clippers played in Hawaii, and the team has been cautious with him since. Sam Dekker left the second game with a sore rib and did not return. Rivers has been dealing with a sore glute since the preseason opener and is questionable for the start of the season; this after he returned from a six week bout with mono. Beverley became the latest to join the injury report, as he was unable to participate in Tuesday's practice with a sore knee. His injury could also linger until opening night and possibly beyond.
L.A. has guards they can play heading into the season, but they'd like to get everyone healthy with under a week left. The small forward spot seems to be where the Clippers are shallowest at the moment, with no one being able to play behind current starter Wesley Johnson.
“We need Gallo back, but we're not going to push him back,” added Rivers. “At the end of the day, it's a long season. The one benefit of a stretched season is that you have more practice time, so you can get some stuff in. Obviously we would love to have the key guys because there's so many new guys. It's early and hopefully they'll all be back.
“I'm not concerned with Patrick at all, not really with Austin. The effects of the mono is probably our biggest concern just because it could linger and lead to other stuff because you get tired quicker. That may be the reason for the muscle strain. We don't know the right thing to do there, and i think we'll learn how to treat him as the early part of the season goes on.”
The Clippers open up the regular season against the Lakers next Thursday, hopefully at full health.
Follow Us
Subscribe