Since the start of the season, Clipper fans knew that their team might end up suffering the consequences of lacking a complete squad for most of the season. Even before opening night, it’s safe to say that analysts, players, and fans alike knew that the Clippers’ season would end up being defined by injuries and how they could respond to them.
Paul George and Nicolas Batum have been the most recent casualties, with George being sidelined due to a sprained elbow and Batum sitting out because of an ankle injury. In fact, Batum missed several games as he adhered to COVID-19 protocols prior to that ankle injury, forcing the Clippers to compensate for the two-way versatility that he offers day in and day out.