The Los Angeles Clippers are in the middle of, perhaps, the most crucial juncture of their season. Entering their Tuesday night clash against rivals Los Angeles Lakers with a 25-24 record, the opportunity is there for the Clippers to continue washing away the stench of their mostly uneven play during the 2022-23 campaign. But, at least for one night, their quest to climb the standings may have to continue on without starting power forward Marcus Morris.
The Clippers have ruled out Marcus Morris for the rest of their game against the Lakers due to rib contusion, according to Tomer Azarly, Clippers beat reporter for ClutchPoints. Morris scored five points during his 10 minutes of action, which all came in the first quarter. Reggie Jackson replaced him with around two minutes left in the first quarter, and he did not return since.
If Morris were to miss a significant amount of time due to injury, the Clippers need not worry given their immense depth at the forward positions. Nicolas Batum should slot in seamlessly for the 33-year old forward, while Robert Covington should be able to earn more minutes off the Clippers bench.
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Moreover, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George back in action, Marcus Morris should see his usage drop off considerably. Morris’ absence should also allow head coach Tyronn Lue to figure out which players are more deserving of playing time.
Excluding tonight’s injury-marred game, Morris is currently averaging 13.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game on 43.7 percent shooting from the field and 37.8 percent from deep through 45 games.