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The Los Angeles Clippers were unable to clinch their playoff spot, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. That forced them into the win-or-go-home game against the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night. The Clippers were the favorites, but on Friday morning, they were dealt a tough blow.
News broke that former All-NBA forward Paul George will miss the game after entering the league's health and safety protocols. The Clippers superstar reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
That is a massive development less than 12 hours before the game is to be tipped off. NBA fans online went bonkers with the news. One of them simply pointing out the issue with the play-in has caused.
https://twitter.com/DrGuru_/status/1515003898637000713
Paul George entering protocols is another example of why the play-in is such a dumb concept… Clippers got the 8th seed in the regular season and deserved to make the playoffs but now because of unfortunate timing they’re almost guaranteed to miss it
— dean 🦂 (@DeanScorpion_) April 15, 2022
As those Twitter users point out, the Clippers played 82 games and finished six games ahead of the Pelicans for the eighth seed. Now, because of one COVID test, are likely to be eliminated by them.
Another fan expressed the sentiment that many Clippers fans are probably feeling.
I can confirm Paul George has entered health & safety protocols. One of the most unlucky seasons ever for the Clippers.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 15, 2022
The Clippers have been crushed with injuries this season. It's their stars that have been hit hardest. Los Angeles is still without Kawhi Leonard and George missed most of the season as well. Just as soon as it looked like the Clippers had turned a corner with the return of George, he is suddenly gone in the biggest game of the year.
Other fans simply had takeaways of all shapes and sizes.
Paul George dropping 30 and losing to pat bev then getting Covid and missing the mist win game is the most pandemic p thing ever https://t.co/wzVL2wJ0IP
— jw (@jwmedia12) April 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/NetsViewer/status/1515004323729661957
Zion returning for the Pelicans now that they probably made the playoffs with Paul George out pic.twitter.com/ApSgMvA2Wp
— Fun Guy (@FunGuyBurner) April 15, 2022
Pelicans after finding out paul george not playing pic.twitter.com/Y5PJTPNAys
— 🏳️🌈 ⚜️ (EBK DOA GBG BABY) Saints Fan ⚜️ 🇵🇷 (@YoungPappyStan) April 15, 2022
Regardless of which team a fan might be rooting for, the real loser is the fans. Friday night should have been a game showcasing two of the best scorers in basketball, with CJ McCollum and George. The Clippers will need added production from Norman Powell and Robert Covington if they want to continue playing.
