Clippers vs. Spurs Injury Report: No Victor Wembanyama in LA

The Los Angeles Clippers desperately need to get back on track on Thursday after losing a crucial game to the Portland Trail Blazers two days ago. With six games left in the regular season, the Clippers have the Blazers breathing down their neck for the race for the No. 8 seed. That is why their game at the Intuit Dome against the Spurs has taken on a big significance.

Fortunately, the Clippers aren't dealing with any key injuries heading into Thursday. Aside from Bradley Beal and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who have already been ruled out for the season, backup center Isaiah Jackson is the only player who will miss the game against San Antonio. Kawhi Leonard, who is dealing with a wrist injury, has not appeared on the injury report.

Jackson's absence still matters as the Clippers now have one healthy center on the roster in Brook Lopez. This means that John Collins and Nicolas Batum will spend time playing small-ball center.

Clippers Will Benefit From Not Facing Victor Wembanyama on Thursday

This could have been a big problem against Victor Wembanyama. It turns out, however, that the Spurs will be resting their French phenom on the second night of a back-to-back. Wemby popped up on the injury report with a right ankle injury management designation, but this can be interpreted more as a precautionary measure.

The Spurs played against the Warriors in San Francisco last night, defeating them for their tenth straight win behind a dominant 41-point double-double by Wembanyama. As much as they would love to keep their winning streak going, the Spurs have to have a longer-term vision. While they still have a chance to catch the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, they are two games behind with six games left in the season. Instead of aggressively chasing an improbable goal, the Spurs are understandably prioritizing Wembanyama being healthy and fresh for the postseason.

This will be a clear advantage for the Clippers. The Spurs are still 10-5 without their French superstar, but aren't nearly as scary defensively. In his absence, the Spurs will likely start Luke Kornet at five. Mason Plumlee could see a few minutes off the bench, but there should be a ton of small-ball lineups from San Antonio as well.

San Antonio won both games against the Clippers this season and will hope to sweep the series. There is a chance these two teams may face each other in the playoffs. If the Clippers maintain their spot as the No.8 seed and beat the Phoenix Suns in the play-in, they would earn the seventh seed in the playoffs, setting up a potential first-round series against the Spurs. On top of everything else, a win over the Spurs would also be important for the Clippers with that in mind.