Powell Set to Return for Clippers

 

Clippers guard Norman Powell is set to return from a 2-month absence tonight against the Phoenix Suns. Powell sustained a broken foot in a game against Dallas back on February 10th that held him out for 22 games, but his addition back into the lineup is timely for a Clippers team that is finally getting healthy with the play-in tournament less than a week away.

The Clippers acquired Powell and veteran Robert Covington from the Portland Trailblazers just a week before this year's trade deadline, looking to do whatever they could do patch the gaping holes left in their roster with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard's absences. Powell made an immediate impact for Los Angeles, coming off the bench to score 28 points in his Clipper's debut. In the 2nd quarter of just his third game with the team, Powell suffered the foot injury, before returning to action and finishing the contest. It was later reported that he had fractured the medial sesamoid bone in his left foot, and would not require surgery, but would be out for an indefinite amount of time rehabbing it. 

Two months and 22 games later, Powell is set to return to a Clippers team that has managed to get healthy at just the right time. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard's injury progress, Paul George made his return last week after missing several months with an elbow injury and did not appear the least bit rusty, going for 34 points in his first game back. Powell's addition gives them another offensive weapon who can provide efficient production, regardless of if he is starting or coming off the bench.

Paul George in his return 🔥

34 Points
20 3rd quarter points
10/19 Shooting
6/9 Threes
6 Assists
5 Steals #ClipperNation

pic.twitter.com/AglQ8uNO8s

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 30, 2022

 

After managing to stay afloat in the Western Conference despite their injury struggles, the Clippers may be poised to make some noise in the playoffs. Currently sitting in 8th, they will have to make it out of the play-in tournament, but if they can do so, they will have a roster full of experience and talent that can give any of the top seeds some trouble. Players such as Luke Kennard, Amir Coffey and Terance Mann all saw a massive uptick in minutes with the absences in the team's lineup, and can now become very viable threats off of the bench with substantial run under their belts. Don't be surprised if the Clippers give the likes of Phoenix or Memphis some trouble come playoffs, as they are definitely capable of pushing them to six or even seven games in a first-round matchup.

Photo Credit: ©Jayne Kamin-USA TODAY Sports