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Paul George suffered a right knee injury in the LA Clippers' 101-100 loss to the OKC Thunder on Tuesday (Mar. 21). George avoided any serious injury and was diagnosed with a sprained right knee.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that George will be out for at least two to three weeks. The Clippers star is also set to be re-evaluated during that time period, meaning George could be out for the rest of the regular season.
If he gets cleared to return after two weeks, he could play in the final two games of the season. However, the Clippers are known for being careful with their star players. If they clinch a playoff spot earlier than expected, George could return in the postseason.
Paul George suffered the injury with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter. He went up and got the rebound but got tangled up with the OKC Thunder's Lu Dort during his landing.
George's knee appeared to have been hyperextended as he crumpled to the ground in pain. The LA Clippers medical staff quickly tended to their star forward before carrying him off the court and into the locker room.
The Clippers ended up losing a close game to the Thunder. George ended the game with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kawhi Leonard had 21 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Russell Westbrook contributed 15 points and eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his hot streak with 31 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jalen Williams added 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists as the Thunder moved up to seventh in the Western Conference.
Can LA Clippers clinch playoff spot without Paul George?
The LA Clippers have nine games left in their schedule. They're fifth in the Western Conference with a 38-35 record. Paul George's injury puts them in a difficult position, as he's their second-best player.
However, the race in the West is very tight, with the fourth-seeded Phoenix Suns only 3.5 games ahead of No. 13 New Orleans Pelicans. The Clippers have been inconsistent in their last ten games, winning just five.
Their remaining schedule won't be easy, as they face the OKC Thunder, LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns, as well as the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans twice. They also play the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.
Kawhi Leonard will have to continue playing if the Clippers want to ensure at least a top-six finish. It will be interesting to see what the Clippers do in the final stretch of the regular season.
