Clippers' Redick expected to return before All-Star break
This may not soften the blow from Sunday's unsettling Blake Griffin prognosis, but the reeling Los Angeles Clippers can use any help they can get.
Shooting guard J.J. Redick, who has missed three consecutive games (all losses) due to back spasms, is expected to play again before the All-Star break, either on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks or Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN's Arash Markazi.
The Clippers were thin on the wing even with Redick healthy, so it's no surprise they've struggled mightily without him. Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford have been splitting shooting guard duties, with practically nobody behind them.
Redick is one of the Clippers' few off-ball threats, and his dangerous long-range shooting coupled with his excellent movement away from the ball works wonders for the team's occasionally space-clogged offense. The Clippers score 9.3 more points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.
Redick is averaging 14.4 points per game on the season, while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from deep.
On top of returning before the break, he is expected to be available to participate in the NBA 3-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend.