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Clippers Face Road Trip Challenges with Key Injuries

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, March 5th 2026 at 11:55 GMT by CBSSports.com
      Locales: California, Colorado, Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - March 5, 2026 - The Los Angeles Clippers are navigating a potentially troublesome stretch as they prepare for a two-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. Forward John Collins will miss both contests due to a left ankle injury sustained during Tuesday's game, the team announced today. Adding to the Clippers' woes, the availability of star Paul George for the trip remains uncertain, raising concerns about the team's depth and playoff prospects.

Collins' injury is a significant blow, particularly given his recent contributions off the bench. Averaging 13.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in 26 appearances this season, the veteran forward provides crucial scoring and rebounding support. His 42.9% field goal percentage and a respectable 36.7% from three-point range make him a valuable offensive asset, capable of providing instant offense when called upon. The Clippers will undoubtedly miss his ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends of the court.

The team has stated Collins will undergo a re-evaluation upon their return from the road trip. The severity of the ankle injury remains unknown, but even a short-term absence could disrupt the Clippers' carefully constructed rotations. This places increased pressure on other frontcourt players, including Ivica Zubac and Nicolas Batum, to shoulder a heavier load. The Clippers coaching staff will likely explore different lineup combinations to compensate for Collins' absence, potentially giving more minutes to younger players.

The timing of these injuries is particularly concerning for the Clippers, who are currently battling for playoff positioning in a competitive Western Conference. The team has struggled with consistency throughout the season, and injuries to key players have frequently derailed their momentum. This adds further pressure on Kawhi Leonard, who himself is facing scrutiny regarding his performance. (See related: [ Kawhi Leonard's struggles raising concerns for Clippers' playoff hopes ]).

The uncertainty surrounding Paul George's availability compounds the problem. George has been dealing with a nagging knee issue that has limited his playing time and effectiveness. While the Clippers remain hopeful he can suit up for at least one of the road games, his status is currently day-to-day. If George is unable to play, the Clippers' offensive burden will fall even more heavily on Leonard and Norman Powell.

This latest development casts a shadow over the Clippers' upcoming schedule. Facing the Phoenix Suns, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, will be a tough test even at full strength. The Portland Trail Blazers, while rebuilding, possess young, energetic players who can pose a threat on any given night. Without Collins, and potentially George, the Clippers will need a collective effort to secure victories in both games.

Analysts are beginning to question the Clippers' long-term playoff potential. While they possess significant talent on paper, their inability to stay healthy and consistently perform has become a recurring theme. The team's reliance on Leonard and George is a double-edged sword - when both are playing at their peak, the Clippers are a legitimate championship contender. However, when one or both are sidelined, the team struggles to maintain a competitive edge.

The Clippers' front office may be forced to consider potential trade options to address their depth issues. However, with the trade deadline already passed, their options are limited. They may explore signing a free agent or utilizing the buyout market to add a veteran presence to the roster. But finding a player who can seamlessly integrate into the Clippers' system and provide immediate impact will be a challenging task. The next few weeks will be critical for the Clippers, as they attempt to navigate this challenging period and solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff picture. The onus is on the coaching staff to find solutions and the remaining players to step up and fill the void left by injured teammates. Fans are understandably anxious, hoping to see a resilient Clippers team overcome these obstacles and make a deep playoff run.