Blake Griffin has stitches removed, cleared to begin working out
Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin isn't ready to return yet, but he's moving in the right direction.
Griffin, who had elbow surgery earlier in the month to treat a staph infection, had his stitches removed and is no longer wearing an arm brace. He's been cleared to begin working out and is allowed to start sweating - something that was restricted while the stitches were in - but won't travel with the team on its upcoming road trip.
The Clippers go on the road for four straight games beginning Wednesday against the Houston Rockets and wrap up the trip March 2 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Griffin, who last played Feb. 6, was given a three-to-six week timeline for his recovery and recently said he was unable to update his return status. Los Angeles has gone 4-1 without Griffin, who was forced to miss last weekend's All-Star Game with the injury, the fifth selection of his career.
The 25-year-old is averaging a team-leading 22.1 points along with 7.5 rebounds and a career-high 5.1 assists in 51 games.