Clippers' Beverley set to return after lengthy absence

After missing 24 of the past 26 games, Patrick Beverley will be back in the Los Angeles Clippers' lineup for the team's matchup with the Toronto Raptors, the team announced Tuesday.

Beverley has essentially been shelved since mid March due to a pair of injuries. The 32-year-old was sidelined due to right knee soreness from March 14 to April 4, returned for a pair of games, then suffered a fracture in his left hand on April 8.

Across 31 appearances this season, Beverley has averaged eight points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. With the feisty veteran ball-hound on the floor, the Clippers have outscored opponents by 10.7 points per 100 possessions in 726 total minutes.

With seven games left on their schedule, the 43-22 (.662) Clippers are firmly on track for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.