The LA Clippers have been enjoying near-MVP level numbers from Paul George this season. The All-Star shooting guard has bounced back extremely well, putting up 24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.2 steals all while still being a member of the 50/40/90 club.
This is the exact type of year the team needed from him and the group looks poised to make a serious run in the playoffs. However, after being a scratch from Friday night’s game versus the Boston Celtics, Clipper Nation got some bad news.
The LA Clippers need to prepare to be without Paul George for a while.
George has been diagnosed with bone edema in his right foot and the team has not given any sort of timetable for return.
A quick WebMD search describes bone edema as “when fluid builds up in your bone marrow. Your doctor may call it bone marrow lesions.” WebMD also notes that the only way to really heal it is through rest, therapy, and pain medication. The worst part? It can take several months for the issue to subside.
Now, if there’s one thing every sports fan should understand it’s that googling player’s injuries only leads you down a rabbit hole of pain and suffering. Every diagnosis seems like the end of the world for your player and your team. Let’s trust the team’s doctors.
Still, the Clippers will at least be without him today against the Sacramento Kings and likely will miss more games this week. The team will have to adjust and several players will need to step up in his absence.
On Friday night, Luke Kennard earned the start for the team and looked great to start the game but didn’t perform in the second half. The Clips will need more out of him going forward until PG can return. Lou Williams and Marcus Morris will also need to step up, adding more scoring from the bench unit.
Although we don’t have a timetable for his return and it could be soon, the team just needs to hope that PG will be able to return prior to the playoffs. They need him to continue his great play as they push for their first championship.