Patrick Beverley to return tonight for the LA Clippers

Patrick Beverley will return to the LA Clippers’ lineup tonight against the New York Knicks. He missed five games with a knee injury.

The LA Clippers have fallen a step behind, losing nine of their last ten games and eight in a row. Injuries and coaching are almost certainly to blame, however, the streak could be coming to an end tonight. LA will face off against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and they’ll be joined by Patrick Beverley.

Beverley has played in all but five games this season, averaging 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. His defensive presence has been the real story, though. After hounding Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball on opening night, he built upon his well-known “feisty” reputation. He hadn’t dropped off from that performance all season until he suffered an injury to his right knee. He has since recovered from that injury and will return tonight, per Adrian Wojnarowski.

Beverley is one of the three starters the Clippers have been missing as of late. Milos Teodosic has played just two games this year, and Danilo Gallinari has missed the last six with a hip injury.

A number of players have received a considerable increase in minutes in Beverley’s absence. Sindarius Thornwell has been starting since Austin Rivers is covering the point guard position, and Jawun Evans has seen a lot of meaningful minutes on the floor. This will likely change with Beverley’s return, but their impressive play may lead Doc Rivers to include them in more rotations.

Beverley should have a relatively easy night, and it’s probable that this game was chosen on purpose. New York’s best point guard is likely Frank Ntilikina, a rookie. Beyond him, the Knicks should play Ramon Sessions and Jarrett Jack at point.