The Los Angeles Clippers have a firm grasp on third place in the Western Conference, and are bolstering their lineup for the stretch run. J.J. Redick, who has been out since Feb. 3 with a back injury, will return to action Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks, according to a report from Eric Patten of Clippers.com.
J.J. Redick returns to Clippers, but Jamal Crawford, Danny Granger likely out until playoffs
The sharpshooting guard will see action Thursday night against the Mavericks.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Before his most recent injury, Redick was playing well. During the month of January he had proven a worthwhile pickup, returning to the Clippers lineup after battling a wrist injury the month before. In just 30 games this season, the former Magic and Bucks guard is averaging 15.7 points, 2.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game.
Good news: J.J. Redick is back. Bad news: Jamal Crawford and Danny Granger are out until the playoffs at least.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 4, 2014 Los Angeles is already a high-powered offensive team, second in the NBA in offensive rating according to NBA.com. With Redick back, there’s no doubt the Clippers’ shooting efficiency will benefit. Redick’s return comes at the just the right moment, as the team gears up for a run through the playoffs.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, the day Redick returns to action also sees the losses of Jamal Crawford and Danny Granger, both valuable three-point shooters. Crawford is resting an injured left Achilles tendon, while Granger is nursing a hamstring injury. Both players might not see the court again until the playoffs.
Thursday night’s contest will be a chance for Redick to fill their minutes, as well as get himself in game shape for the playoffs. Dallas is a tough matchup, and the Mavs are trying to make sure they have a grip on a playoff spot before the season ends.
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