L.A. Clippers first round draft pick Brice Johnson has been diagnosed with a herniated disc in his lower back, the team told L.A. Times beat reporter Brad Turner on Saturday.
The 22-year-old rookie will attempt to rehab his back, hoping to avoid surgery and has been ruled out indefinitely.
The injury took place in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's 104-98 preseason win over the Toronto Raptors at the Staples Center. Johnson only managed to play three minutes off the bench and missed his only field goal attempt while commiting one turnover.
Brice Johnson was selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2016 draft. The 6-foot-10 power forward averaged 17 points and 10.4 rebounds on 61.4 percent shooting during his senior year with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
The Clippers will count on Brandon Bass and Marreese Speights to provide solid minutes off the bench backing up All-Star forward Blake Griffin during Brice Johnson's absence.
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