Clippers Star Paul George Out to Begin Series vs Suns

The Phoenix Suns will battle the Los Angeles Clippers with some additional help, as Paul George is still recovering from his knee injury suffered back in March.

The Phoenix Suns will battle the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs, though Los Angeles will have to begin the series without one of their star players. 

Forward Paul George has been out since March 21 with a knee injury - and despite some progress reportedly being made - he is expected to miss the beginning of the series vs. Phoenix, according to a report from NBA insider Shams Charania. 

Sources: Clippers star Paul George is expected to be sidelined to begin the first-round playoff series against the Suns, but is making some tangible progress from his March 21 knee injury.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2023

The Clippers most recently defeated the Suns 119-114 yesterday to secure their playoff spot vs. Phoenix. Had Los Angeles lost, the Suns would be playing the Golden State Warriors in the first round. 

The Clippers split their season series with Phoenix 2-2, though yesterday saw starters such as Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton and Kevin Durant sit out of caution as the regular season concluded. 

The Suns - who also had Bismack Biyombo and Cameron Payne banged up from Friday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers - were simply trying to get to the postseason fully healthy. They had just nine players available in the loss to the Clippers.

It's unknown exactly when George would be expected back, though it's suggested if the series were to stretch to six or seven games, he could potentially rejoin the team. 

Game 1 will be in Phoenix on Sunday, April 16, though the time is to be determined. We also do not know the remaining schedule for the first round just yet. 

The Suns are overwhelming favorites to advance, though George's presence in the lineup would make that a tougher task.