Derrick Jones Jr. is set to be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, as confirmed by Shams Charania of ESPN. The injury occurred during a game in Boston when Jaylen Brown lost possession and dove for the ball, causing Jones’ knee to bend inward at an odd angle. This incident highlights the vulnerability of even the most athletic players to knee injuries, which can have significant implications for their performance and long-term health.
The Clippers are relieved that Jones’ injury isn’t more severe, given his modest but valuable contributions to the team. He has been an offensive threat, known for his lob passes and transition play, and is also one of the team’s best defenders. His absence will be felt, especially considering his impressive performance in the 12 games leading up to the injury, where he averaged 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks with impressive shooting percentages.
Adding to the team’s woes, third-year wing Jordan Miller also exited Sunday’s game with a left hamstring strain, which he had previously aggravated, causing him to miss the first three games of the season. This setback is particularly unfortunate for Miller, who had a career-high 22 points in his season debut. However, the team is optimistic that he won’t be out for extended periods, and he is expected to return soon.
To fill the void, rookie guard/forward Kobe Sanders will get his first career start on Monday, providing an opportunity for the team to assess his potential. Meanwhile, star forward Kawhi Leonard, who has been dealing with right ankle and foot sprains, has resumed on-court work and is nearing his return. While the timeline for his comeback is uncertain, the team’s ongoing road trip provides a context for his potential return, with the final game scheduled for next Tuesday against the Lakers.