Clippers' Rivers could be sidelined until playoffs

Austin Rivers could be on the shelf for longer than expected.

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers announced Thursday that the backup point guard is dealing with a "pretty good" hamstring strain, according to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register.

The bench boss expressed uncertainty over whether his son will return before the end of the regular season, and said he hopes the 24-year-old can re-join the team for the postseason.

Austin suffered the knock to his left hammy in Wednesday's win over the Washington Wizards, exiting after logging just eight minutes.

He's averaging 12 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds - all career highs - off the bench this season. Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford figure to get more burn in his stead.