Matt Barnes Injury: Updates on Clippers Star's Calf and Return
Los Angeles Clippers small forward Matt Barnes missed two games with a sore calf but will start Friday's game against the Houston Rockets.
Continue for updates.
Friday, Nov. 28
Barnes Will Start Friday vs. Rockets
Dan Woike of the Orange County Register has the latest on Barnes:
Barnes Dealing With Sore Calf
Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times shared the news on Barnes, as he deals with soreness to the area:
Barnes, 34, was an important piece for the Clippers during the 2013-14 NBA season and is averaging 7.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest this year in 12 games.
Los Angeles has one of the most talented teams in the Western Conference this season with Barnes included. Prior to the season, Barnes shared his thoughts on the team as a whole, per Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report:
The veteran missed several games during the 2013-14 season due to an eye injury. He was able to return and still contribute at a high level, including making an impact in the postseason.
As for the impact he has on the team as a whole, Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com noted what a healthy Barnes provides the Clippers:
"An increased contribution from Barnes would be a big lift for the Clippers, whether he returns to his usual role as a high-energy reserve able to defend multiple positions or the early plan comes true and he starts at small forward. The Clips know Barnes feeling better potentially means the rest of the Western Conference feels worse.
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Not having Barnes on the court for an extended period would hinder the offense and the team as a whole. Reggie Bullock, a second-year player from North Carolina, will be asked to step up after playing in only 43 games last season.
Bullock is averaging just 8.7 minutes in seven prior games this season, but this is a great opportunity for the Clippers to get a longer look at the first-round draft pick.
Barnes' ability is one thing, but the veteran presence he provides is vital for the Clippers. Equipped with superstars like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, however, Los Angeles should still be a competitive team in the short term even with Barnes out of the lineup.
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