Rudy Gobert Ruled out for Game 3 vs. Clippers with Knee Injury

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has been ruled out of the team's Game 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers according to Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune. 

Gobert, 24, collapsed to the floor with a knee injury just 20 seconds into the team's postseason opener against the Clippers. He missed the remainder of that game and an MRI after the game showed no structural damage, though he did suffer a hyperextension and bone contusion of the knee. 

Gobert established himself as an indispensable player for the Jazz this season, becoming the best rim-protector in the NBA. He averaged 14.0 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, but his defensive presence was where he made his greatest impact, leading the NBA with 2.6 blocks per game and defensive real plus-minus (5.99), per ESPN.

The Jazz, in turn, gave up just 96.8 points per game during the regular season, the best mark in the league.

Suffice to say, it's hard to imagine the Jazz challenging for a Western Conference title without their defensive bedrock at center. Gobert was arguably the most impactful defensive player in basketball this past season, and Utah's excellent defense was reliant on Gobert protecting the paint and swatting away shots. 

While he's sidelined, Boris Diaw, Jeff Withey and Derrick Favors are all likely to see expanded minutes.