Clippers Star Set to Return Tonight

 

The Clippers will be getting one half of their dynamic duo back in tonight's contest against the Utah Jazz, following the news that Paul George has been cleared to play, according to Ohm Youngmisuk on NBA Today. George has been sidelined with a torn UCL in his right elbow since December 22nd, only managing to play 26 of the Clippers 75 games this year.

George's return comes at a key time for the Clippers, who are currently sitting in 8th place in the Western Conference. With at least one play-in game looming, George will look to use the team's seven remaining regular season games to get back in the swing of things and be at full-speed come playoffs.

Paul George will “likely” return tonight barring feeling something with his elbow after practicing and scrimmaging over the last two days. Also, if all continues to progress, Norm Powell could be back and practicing within 7-10 days. Clips getting healthier as play-in approaches pic.twitter.com/nudhp5hsd6

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 29, 2022

Against all odds, the Clippers have done an excellent job holding their own this season without their superstars in George and Kawhi Leonard, who has yet to play a game this season following an ACL tear he suffered last June during the Western Conference semifinals. In games without both stars, the Clippers have managed to go 22-27 this year, and are 14-12 with George in the lineup. Considering the tandem made up almost half of the teams scoring last season, it's been quite impressive to see the Clippers stay afloat, even managing 5 more wins than their in-city rival Los Angeles Lakers.

As for Leonard's return, Youngmisuk also reported just 5 days ago that there is hope he may return to action come playoffs, potentially as early as the first round. "By all accounts, Leonard has been working hard and looks to be in good shape... if they make it out of the play-in tournament, he would just need clearance from the medical staff to play again. And that door has been left open."

Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports