Injured Clippers Return to Practice

Per Brad Turner of the LA Times, Sam Dekker, Danilo Gallinari, and Austin Rivers all participated in the Clippers’ practice yesterday. Considering those guys missed most of preseason, that’s a good sign. While they did have sprains, it seemed clear that they were being held out of preseason games mostly as a precaution. Even so, it was nice to get some clarity on their situations, and to know they should be ready for the regular season.

In addition, Pat Beverley and Sindarius Thornwell, who both missed time in preseason as well, started getting shots up today. Turner also reports that Beverley hopes to practice on Tuesday, which would put him in line to play in the Clippers’ regular season opener on Thursday.

If Dekker, Gallo, Austin, Beverley, and Thornwell can all play Thursday, the Clippers should have their full complement of players available, barring any minor injuries before then. The Clippers certainly haven’t lived down their injury-prone reputation so far this season, but missing preseason games doesn’t matter. As long as they get a full squad to suit up during games that count, the Clippers should be pretty good.

Clippers basketball really starts in three days. Get excited!