RADIO
Rui Hachimura Sidelined for Wednesday
According to Joey Linn of SI.com, Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura (quadriceps) did not practice Tuesday and has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Hachimura is dealing with left quad soreness after posting five points and grabbing four rebounds across 29 minutes in Sunday's 108-101 loss to Oklahoma City. His next opportunity to return comes Friday against Minnesota. With Hachimura sidelined, Gradey Dick and Kobe Sanders could see increased playing time and a boost in fantasy value.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Bradley Beal Sidelined Through the Weekend
Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (knee) won't play this week or travel for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Joey Linn. The 33-year-old continues to manage right knee inflammation after recovering from surgery for last season's left hip fracture, and there remains no firm timetable for his return. His absence should keep rookie Keaton Wagler involved after he posted 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in Wednesday's opener, while Darius Garland handled much of the scoring with 30 points. Beal had yet to resume five-on-five work earlier this month, so there is still little reason to expect a quick return.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Yanic Konan Niederhauser Out This Week for Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) is making progress but won't play this week or travel for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Joey Linn. The 23-year-old underwent surgery in March after suffering a right Lisfranc injury against Indiana. Niederhauser averaged 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 10.3 minutes across 41 games as a rookie but was trending up before getting hurt, posting 8.2 points and 6.2 rebounds over his final five appearances. Isaiah Jackson started Wednesday's opener, while Brook Lopez had 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, leaving Niederhauser with a crowded path to minutes once cleared.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Max Strus Ruled Out for Clippers' Road Trip
Los Angeles Clippers forward Max Strus (foot) will remain out this week and won't travel for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Joey Linn. Strus is progressing from the partial plantar fascia tear in his right foot that he suffered during the preseason opener and is due to be reevaluated four weeks after the injury. Kris Dunn started alongside Darius Garland on Wednesday, producing seven points, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks. With Brandon Ingram (Achilles) and Bradley Beal (knee) also sidelined, Dunn should retain meaningful minutes and offers more immediate fantasy value through his defensive production.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Brandon Ingram Remains Sidelined This Week
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Brandon Ingram (Achilles) will remain sidelined this week and will not travel for Sunday's road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The two-time All-Star is making progress after undergoing surgery on his right heel in May that also addressed a partially torn Achilles tendon, but there is still no timetable for his return. Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 77 games for Toronto last season. Rui Hachimura should continue starting in his absence, while rookie Keaton Wagler has a path to steady bench usage after posting 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in Wednesday's opener.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Isaiah Jackson Named Clippers' Starting Center for Week 1
Los Angeles Clippers center Isaiah Jackson will open the season as the team's starting center, according to The Athletic's Law Murray. Head coach Tyronn Lue named Jackson the Week 1 starter, with Brook Lopez moving into the backup role. The 24-year-old averaged 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 15.9 minutes across 17 games with the Clippers last season while shooting 76.4% from the field. Lue likes the speed Jackson brings at center, and a jump in minutes could make him useful for rebounds, blocks, and efficient scoring starting Wednesday against Sacramento.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Cam Christie Returns to Clippers on Two-Way Deal
The Los Angeles Clippers have signed guard/forward Cam Christie to a two-way contract after he cleared waivers, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Los Angeles waived the 21-year-old Wednesday before his $2.3 million salary became guaranteed. Christie appeared in 55 games last season, averaging 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.7 minutes while shooting 24.5% from three. He showed more as a rookie with the G-League's San Diego Clippers, averaging 18.2 points per game. The two-way deal keeps him in the organization, but he'll need injuries or a big developmental jump to earn enough NBA minutes for fantasy consideration.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Keaton Wagler Shines in First Preseason Start
Los Angeles Clippers guard Keaton Wagler recorded 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists in his first preseason start Wednesday, helping Los Angeles beat the Denver Nuggets 122-110. Starting alongside Darius Garland while Kris Dunn rested, the 19-year-old shot 4-for-9 from the field and 3-for-7 from three without committing a turnover in 28 minutes. Wagler struggled with his shot in the preseason, finishing at 30.3 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from three. Still, with Brandon Ingram (Achilles) and Bradley Beal (knee) sidelined to start the season, the rookie should have a chance to earn a regular spot in the rotation.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Rui Hachimura Leads Clippers with 16 Points in Preseason Finale
Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura scored a team-high 16 points in Wednesday's 122-110 preseason win over the Denver Nuggets, adding five rebounds, two steals, and one assist in 24 minutes. He shot 5-for-12 from the field, 3-for-5 from three, and 3-for-3 at the line. Hachimura led Los Angeles in scoring in all three exhibitions, totaling 51 points. He averaged 11.5 points while shooting 44.3 percent from deep with the Lakers last season, but Brandon Ingram (Achilles) and Max Strus (foot) will miss the start of the year, leaving Hachimura with more scoring opportunities when the Clippers open Wednesday against Sacramento.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Bradley Beal to Miss the Beginning of the Regular Season
Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Bradley Beal (knee) will not be ready for the start of the regular season, head coach Tyronn Lue said. Lue added, "He's been getting better. Rehab is going pretty well, so we'll see where he's at. We don't know the timetable, just making sure he feels good before he steps on the floor." Beal re-signed with the Clippers this offseason, signing a two-year, $13.2 million contract in August. The veteran shooting guard played just six games with the team last season, averaging 8.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 20 minutes per game. With him expected to be sidelined at the start of the season, look to guards Kris Dunn, Gradey Dick, and fifth-overall pick Keaton Wagler to fill in.
Source: Grant Mona
Source: Grant Mona
Yuki Kawamura Waived by Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have waived guard Yuki Kawamura, ending his training camp bid for a roster spot. The 25-year-old signed an Exhibit 10 deal in August after averaging 8.2 points and 4.8 assists across five Summer League games with Indiana. Kawamura appeared in 18 games for Chicago last season, posting 3.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 11.6 minutes while shooting 32.7 percent from the field. His departure does little to change a Clippers backcourt led by Darius Garland and Kris Dunn, with rookie Keaton Wagler also competing for minutes. Kawamura could still continue his season in the G-League after being waived.
Source: ClippersPR
Source: ClippersPR
Max Strus Out at Least Four Weeks
Los Angeles Clippers forward Max Strus (foot) suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot during Sunday's preseason opener and will be reevaluated in four weeks, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The 30-year-old will miss the start of the regular season after playing just 12 games last year following left foot surgery. Brandon Ingram (Achilles) is also unavailable to open the season, while Bradley Beal (knee) is dealing with inflammation. Kris Dunn and No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler should get more backcourt opportunities, with Gradey Dick also in line for added wing minutes. Wagler offers the most fantasy upside if he secures a steady role alongside Darius Garland.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Rui Hachimura Torches Warriors in Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura scored a game-high 21 points in just 15 minutes in Sunday's 104-101 preseason win over Golden State, shooting 8-for-11 from the field and 4-for-5 from deep while adding five rebounds and one block. All 21 points came before halftime, with Darius Garland assisting four of his eight made field goals. Brandon Ingram (Achilles) will miss the start of the season, giving Hachimura a clear path to an opening-night starting role. After shooting 44.3 percent from three last season, Hachimura could see enough extra volume to improve on his 11.5 points per game if the role holds.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Max Strus Exits Preseason Opener with Right Foot Injury
Los Angeles Clippers forward Max Strus (foot) was ruled out of Sunday's preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors after injuring his right foot in the first quarter, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. Strus went straight to the locker room roughly five minutes into the game. The 30-year-old played only 12 games for Cleveland last season after undergoing surgery for a Jones fracture in his left foot, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 threes. With Brandon Ingram (Achilles) already sidelined, any absence for Strus could create more minutes for rookie Keaton Wagler.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Isaiah Jackson Eyes Starting Center Role
Los Angeles Clippers center Isaiah Jackson has been working with the first unit in training camp and believes he could open the season as the starter, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. The 24-year-old said his right Achilles is fully healed and that he has a much better feel for Tyronn Lue's system. Jackson averaged 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 15.9 minutes across 17 games with Los Angeles last season while shooting 76.4 percent from the field. Brook Lopez remains in the mix for the starting job, but with Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) unavailable to begin the year, Jackson has a real chance to earn more minutes and provide useful blocks and field-goal percentage.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
