Paul George Misses Los Angeles Clippers Shootaround; Status Uncertain vs. Dallas Mavs
DALLAS — The Los Angeles Clippers started with an 0-5 record through the first five games played with James Harden since the early-season trade to acquire him from the Philadelphia 76ers. The team has surged since, going 13-3 with an active eight-game winning streak.
During the Clippers' initial struggles with Harden, the Dallas Mavericks were among the teams that defeated them, achieving a 144-126 victory on Nov. 25, led by a 33-2 run in the second quarter. Luka Doncic finished with 44 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Kyrie Irving chipped in 27 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
The Clippers got revenge against the Mavs in their Nov. 25 matchup, winning the game 107-88 and limiting Dallas to a season-low scoring total. Doncic totaled 30 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Irving also had a standout performance, finishing with 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
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On Wednesday, the Mavs and Clippers will compete for the third time this season and the second matchup at American Airlines Center. It remains to be seen if Paul George (illness) will be available to play since he's currently listed as questionable. He did not attend the team's morning shootaround in Dallas.
The Clippers' superstar wings, George and Kawhi Leonard, were often the focus of criticism for the NBA's lack of participation from top talents. However, Leonard has yet to miss a game, and George will have missed only his second of the season if he ends up being ruled out.
The Mavs already have ruled out various vital players for Wednesday's matchup, including Kyrie Irving (right heel contusion), Josh Green (right elbow sprain), Dereck Lively II (left ankle sprain), and Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation).
George averaged 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 25 games this season. He's shooting 45.1 percent from the floor, 39.2 percent from 3-point range, and 93.1 percent on free throws.
