Looks like that frontcourt depth is going to come in handy from outset.
After being named the likely starter in the Clippers’ opener prior to Friday night’s preseason game against New Orleans, Blake Griffin is questionable for Tuesday after injuring his knee on this play:
Marcus Camby is nursing an ankle sprain, though the prognosis on his injury has improved since Friday. If neither Camby nor Griffin were able to start Tuesday night, the candidate pool at the 4 would be reduced to Craig Smith and DeAndre Jordan. Alternatively, Mike Dunleavy could elect to slide Al Thornton over to power forward and play Rasual Butler at small forward.
Griffin’s knee will go under examination today.
UPDATE: From Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times:
Clippers’ rookie Blake Griffin remains questionable for Tuesday’s opener against the Lakers, seeking a second opinion on his sore left knee. He aggravated the knee in Friday’s exhibition season finale, against the Hornets.
Thus, grim was the prevailing mood at the Clippers’ training facility in Playa Vista on Monday with body language matching the injury updates. Griffin left for treatment before talking to the media.
“The first one said, ‘we know it’s a bone bruise,’ ” said Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy, of the doctor. “There’s some swelling. It just depends on the swelling going down, the comfort level, as far as him being able to play or not.”
So, why the second opinion?
“Because all players have a right to have a second opinion,” Dunleavy said. “You can have a second opinion any time you want.”
The power forward reinjured the knee late in the third quarter after an explosive dunk in the New Orleans game.
“I think it’s better. But I don’t know if it’s good enough to play,” Dunleavy said.
Officially, Griffin and point guard Baron Davis (foot) are being called game-day decisions. Davis did not practice, either, on Sunday or Monday. Marcus Camby (sprained ankle) has been able to practice the last few days and is expected to get some minutes against the Lakers.
