Jamal Crawford Injury: Updates on Clippers Star's Triceps and Return

It is only the preseason, but Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford has already suffered a triceps injury.

Continue for updates.

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Crawford Out for Thursday's Game

Thursday, Oct. 22

Any injury with the season rapidly approaching is concerning, but Rowan Kavner of NBA.com said the setback that held Crawford out of Thursday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers was only a right triceps contusion.

That is a relief for the Clippers because Crawford is a valuable piece of their championship hopes. He may not start for Los Angeles, but he is one of the most important players on the roster as an elite scoring option off the bench.

Crawford was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2013-14, when he averaged 18.6 points per night thanks to his ability to light up the scoreboard in quick bursts and hit from beyond the three-point line. He followed that effort up with 15.8 points per night last season in largely the same role.

He is one of the NBA’s most notable “heat check” guys who can go on a streak from behind the arc at a moment’s notice.

Fortunately for Clippers fans, the team has enough depth at shooting guard and small forward to survive a potential short-term setback for Crawford. Los Angeles added veteran Paul Pierce in the offseason as someone with championship experience and the ability to hit critical shots. Wesley Johnson is a talented swingman who can improve with heavier minutes.

Elsewhere, J.J. Redick is a lethal three-point shooter, and Lance Stephenson is not far removed from the 2013-14 season, when he averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per night and received votes for the NBA All-Defensive Team.

Still, the end goal in Los Angeles is a title, and Crawford’s talent is critical. If the Clippers hope to compete in the daunting Western Conference and challenge for a spot in the NBA Finals, they likely need Crawford to be healthy and on the court when it matters the most.