Clippers vs Timberwolves: Russell Westbrook Injury Update

Clippers face Timberwolves without Westbrook, Edwards uncertain. George returns from injury. Minnesota seeks better starts. Leonard leads LA.

The Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up to hit the road for a three-game trip, starting with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon. This game will be the Clippers' first since veteran guard Russell Westbrook suffered a left hand fracture in Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. Westbrook, who is 35 years old, is currently sidelined indefinitely due to the injury.

In Westbrook's absence, backup guard Bones Hyland is expected to step up and take on a more prominent role in the Clippers' lineup. Head coach Ty Lue expressed sympathy for Westbrook, emphasizing the unfortunate nature of injuries in the game of basketball. The team is still assessing the situation and does not have a definitive timeline for Westbrook's return or whether surgery will be required.

The Clippers will face a tough challenge adjusting to their new lineup without Westbrook as they take on one of the top teams in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota is coming off a close 124-120 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, marking only their third loss in the last 11 games, two of which came in overtime.

The Timberwolves' top scorer, Anthony Edwards, left Friday's game early due to personal reasons, reportedly related to the birth of his child. His availability for Sunday's game against the Clippers remains uncertain. Edwards has been a key contributor for the Timberwolves this season, averaging 26.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert are also important pieces of the Timberwolves' lineup. Towns averages 22.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while Gobert contributes 13.6 points and 12.7 rebounds.

On the Clippers' side, Kawhi Leonard leads the team with 24.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Paul George follows closely with 22.1 points per game, and James Harden is averaging 17.6 points with a 41.6 percent shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.

George recently returned from a brief absence, citing the need for rest to recover from a sore left knee. He made a solid comeback with 22 points in the last game, helping the Clippers secure a victory.

Looking ahead to the game against the Timberwolves, the Clippers will aim to maintain their road record of 17-12. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will seek to improve their energy levels and avoid falling behind early, as they have in recent games. With a strong home record of 22-7, Minnesota will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage against the Clippers in what promises to be an exciting matchup.

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