Calf injury to keep Jamal Crawford on shelf at least 3 more games
The Los Angeles Clippers don't want to enter the playoffs with any questions about Jamal Crawford's health.
A season ago, Crawford struggled through a calf injury late in the year, ultimately costing him 13 of the final 22 games. Whether as a result or just a coincidence, Crawford began the playoffs somewhat cold, with head coach Doc Rivers limiting his minutes early in a first-round series against the Golden State Warriors.
Looking to avoid that fate this year, the Clippers are playing it cautious with Crawford's latest injury, a right calf contusion. Crawford has already missed three games and is set to sit out all three of the team's games this week.
Treatment all day forreal
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) March 10, 2015
The Clippers miss Crawford's bench scoring and have gone 1-3 without him on the season. It doesn't help that Blake Griffin is on the sidelines as well, and 10-day contract recipient Nate Robinson has been Elsa levels of cold from the floor since joining the team.
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Crawford is in the mix to win the award for a third time. He's averaging 16.4 points and 2.5 assists off the bench, strong numbers for a reserve, though his true shooting percentage has dipped to a three-year low of 53.9 percent.