Clippers Hit Hard Again — Derrick Jones Jr. Suffers Another MCL Setback
The LA Clippers were dealt another tough injury blow just as momentum was building.
Forward Derrick Jones Jr. has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and will be reevaluated in six weeks, according to team sources. The injury occurred during Saturday’s loss to the Boston Celtics and comes only four games after Jones returned from an earlier MCL sprain in the same knee that had already cost him more than a month.
Jones’ short-lived return lined up with one of the Clippers’ strongest stretches of the season. His defensive energy and athleticism on the wing helped fuel a six-game winning streak before the setback against Boston. That run came to an abrupt halt in the loss, and Jones’ re-injury now creates another challenge for a team that had begun to find rhythm in its rotation.
There was at least some encouraging news on the injury front. Center Ivica Zubac made his return from an ankle sprain after missing roughly two weeks, giving the Clippers added stability in the frontcourt. Still, Jones’ absence leaves a noticeable gap, particularly on defense, where his versatility and ability to guard multiple positions had been valuable.
A Grade 2 sprain indicates a moderate injury, and the six-week reevaluation will be key in determining whether Jones can return later in the season or faces a longer recovery timeline. Until then, Los Angeles will need to reshuffle minutes among its wings and find ways to replace Jones’ impact.
The Clippers’ medical staff will reassess his condition at the scheduled follow-up, which should provide clearer answers on his path back and how soon he might rejoin the lineup.
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