Lue: George feeling better after MRI but 'will need more time'
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George underwent an MRI on his injured elbow but "will need more time" before returning, head coach Tyronn Lue said Friday, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
Lue added that George is feeling better, but he's unsure if the seven-time All-Star will be back before the season ends.
George initially sprained his elbow in a Dec. 6 win over the Portland Trail Blazers but sat just five contests before returning for two games. The Clippers announced on Christmas Day that George tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and was expected to miss at least three-to-four weeks. But he hasn't played since Dec. 22, stretching his absence to over nine weeks.
George is averaging 24.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and two steals in 26 games this season. However, his 32.3% clip from deep is the lowest mark of his career since his rookie campaign with the Indiana Pacers.
The Clippers are also dealing with Kawhi Leonard's extended absence after he tore the ACL in his right knee during the 2021 postseason. Lue said earlier this month that Leonard is "probably not gonna come back" for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.