Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George will not play in Friday’s Play-In game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to health and safety protocols, the team announced. Friday’s game will determine the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
George was not feeling well on Thursday and the Clippers learned of his diagnosis on Friday morning, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said.
“Those who have followed our team all year, the group has dealt with challenges all year, we’ve had guys in and out of the lineup, we’ve dealt with overcoming large deficits,” Frank said. “And yet this group has always responded, very resilient group, obviously.”
George recently returned to the Clippers lineup after missing three months because of a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. In six games since his return, including a Play-In loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, George averaged 24.5 points and 6.5 assists per game. For the season, he led Los Angeles in points per game (24.3) in 31 appearances.
Los Angeles lost 109-104 to Minnesota to fall into Friday’s elimination game. The Pelicans kept their season alive with a win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Either the Clippers or Pelicans will advance to play the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs.
Frank also said Friday that Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is progressing in his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee but there is still no timetable for his return.
For more, follow The Athletic’s live updates on the Play-In Tournament here.
(Photo: Jordan Johnson / NBAE via Getty Images)
