Blake Griffin Injury: Updates on Clippers Star's Lower Ankle Injury

The Los Angeles Clippers will be in a lot of trouble if they lose star power forward Blake Griffin.

Griffin apparently suffered a mild sprain in his left ankle during the Clippers loss to the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night, according to J.A. Adande of ESPN:

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The play occurred with just under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. As Griffin chased a loose ball to the corner near the Clippers' bench, New Jersey's Kris Humphries went to the ground in pursuit and rolled over Griffin's lower left leg.

Griffin immediately grabbed the lower part of his left leg, then rolled on his back.

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Anytime a star of Griffin's caliber is hurt it has to be a cause of concern, especially considering the important role he has played in the Clippers revival.

Obviously the ankle is a concern, but all early indications are that Griffin is going to be just fine.

In fact, L.A. Times Clippers beat writer Brad Turner tweeted that Griffin said he will play in the next game:

For those that were worried about the status of the Clippers superstar, it looks like things are going to be okay.

What It Means?

This report means that all of you Clippers fans out there can breathe one big sigh of relief.

The Clippers would be a lost team without Griffin.

As of right now they are going to have a hard enough time trying to lock up the Pacific Division with him, so I can only imagine the mess that would ensue if he were to be lost for a significant amount of time.

So far things look good, but a sprained ankle is nothing to be messing with. If he re-injures the ankle or his knee, this could become ugly very fast.

What's Next?

First, we wait and see if the Clippers really do want him to play on Friday against the Spurs. Then, we have to actually see how his ankle responds to playing at an NBA level.

Even if he can play, will he be hindered at all?

Will he be able to get the same power, the same acceleration?

Those are all questioned that will have to be answered the next time we see Griffin on the court.