LOS ANGELES — The Clippers will get a much-needed boost with Paul George and Patrick Beverley set to return from injuries against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.
The Clippers (37-19) hope to stop a season-long three-game slide. George returns after missing one game due to a strained left hamstring but has not played since re-injuring his hamstring at Boston before the All-Star break on Feb. 13. Beverley has missed five straight games with a groin injury.
This will be only the fifth game this season in which the Clippers have had a full roster available. Coach Doc Rivers has had to start 28 different lineups but he still believes the Clippers, once healthy, can “win it.”
“That has been the hand we’ve been dealt,” Rivers said of the injuries. “And we have to play that hand and we can play that hand and still win it.”
The Clippers have been inconsistent and lack chemistry due to several injuries to key players, having Kawhi Leonard sit one game during back-to-back sets to manage a knee issue and incorporating new additions like Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson.
They have looked like a championship contender at times like when they’ve beaten the Los Angeles Lakers in both of their meetings but they’re also capable of getting blown out by Sacramento and Memphis at home.
Rivers was adamant in saying that the Clippers are not a “flip the switch” team that is just going through the motions in some games and then can turn it on when they want to.
“I don’t think we are a flip the switch team,” Rivers said. “I would say anyone who says that doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Because flip the switch teams are teams that have been healthy all year and just have chosen not to play.
“But when you are out of sorts with different lineups, that’s different. I would say it is dangerous [to do that] but teams have done it. Golden State, by the way, did it a couple of times and won titles. You can do both.”