Blake Griffin Injury: Updates on Clippers Star's Ankle

The Los Angeles Clippers have suffered a potentially devastating blow, as All-Star power forward Blake Griffin suffered an ankle injury in the team's Game 5 matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.

While the physical play between him and Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph certainly could be a factor, Griffin has curiously struggled throughout the series.

UPDATE: Friday, May 3, at 9:22 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

ESPN's Arash Markazi reported that Griffin will be able to play Friday night, but will not start: 

"

Lamar Odom will start Game 6. Blake Griffin will play and come off the bench.

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May 4, 2013"

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UPDATE: Wednesday, May 1, at 8:08 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

Orange County Register reporter Dan Woike noted the severity of Griffin's ankle sprain:

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UPDATE: Wednesday, May 1, at 3:29 p.m. ET by Kyle Vassalo

Blake Griffin is a game-time decision, according to the LA Times' Brad Turner:

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UPDATE: Wednesday, 12:51 a.m. ET by Maxwell Ogden

According to Arash Markazi of ESPN Los Angeles, Griffin has been ruled out for the rest of Game 5 with a high right-ankle sprain.

The injury was sustained during a practice session.

---End of Update---

Per Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Griffin was forced to leave Game 5 with an apparent ankle injury.

With the Clippers stuck in a tight battle, this could sink their title dreams.

Sources have told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles that the severity of the injury is so bad that the Clippers star would be ruled out in any other situation.

After leaving the game earlier, perhaps he should have sat out.

Griffin was averaging 16.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 blocks in postseason action prior to this game.

While Griffin's postseason production has been inconsistent, he's been both tough and healthy throughout the 2012-13 season. Not only did he avoid serious injuries, but he missed just two games during the regular season.

Unfortunately for L.A., his moment of weakness has come when they need him most.

At the time in which Griffin left the game due to injury, the Clippers were trailing 65-56. In 20 minutes of action, Griffin had tallied four points, five rebounds and five assists on just 2-of-7 shooting.

Throughout the duration of the three quarters he played, Griffin could be seen limping up and down the floor.

With the Clippers in a tight series that is now headed back to Memphis, there will be mountains of attention sent Griffin's way. Not only will L.A. need him to keep this series competitive, but they'll be without their primary interior scorer if he's gone.

With Zach Randolph averaging 19.3 points and 8.0 rebounds during this series, Griffin's production and full health would be sorely missed.