By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George has entered the NBA health and safety protocols and will miss the knockout game of his team against the New Orleans Pelicans Friday (15/4), the club says. According to Shams Charania, the 31-year-old seven-time All-Star tested positive for COVID-19.
The match will determine which team will take the last available playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Minnesota Timberwolves have already claimed their place in the playoffs after beating the Clippers 109 – 104 in the Play-In opener between the teams that finished seventh and eighth in the regular season. George had a game-high 34 points in that match, plus seven rebounds and five assists.
Now the Clippers suffer quite a blow with George’s absence and may be in serious danger of missing the playoffs for a second time over the last nine seasons. Overall in 2020-21, George has been averaging 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists.