Clippers hit by the injury bug

Josh Smith will be in street clothes for the remainder of the season.

The newly assembled talent laden Clippers squad did not last that long after all. A huge blow for the Clippers as recently acquired players in Kemba Walker, Al Jefferson, and Josh Smith went down with separate injuries that would definitely affect the team's chances of a good run this season.

Curiously, the two freak accident happened in the same game. It was against the Sacramento Kings which they've won comfortably 118-98. First man down was the rejuvenated Josh Smith, who limped off the court, just 6 minutes into the game after a lose ball. It was eventually ruled as a torn Achilles after the game. It doesn't end there though, as Kemba Walker fall awkwardly after saving the ball in a botch play that resulted to a broken elbow during the 2nd quarter of the game. Walker did not return as well, playing just 14 minutes before leaving the game.


Kemba Walker suffered a broken elbow in the same game Josh torned his Achilles.

To make it worst, the following game against Washington where the Clippers lost at home  79-113, saw Al Jefferson, who had replaced Josh Smith in the starting PF position, got hurt as well in a rebound play. He played just 29 minutes and was advice to sit for the remainder of the game. As a form of consolation though, Al is cleared to play in the Clipper's next game though he won't be 100% for about 4 days the most. Kemba is projected to return by March too which could make the team better in the most critical part of the regular season.

This situation is not new for the Clippers anyway, as they actually started the season with limited resources but was able to find a way to fight for the top spot in the tight Pacific Division. The Clippers will return to action tomorrow as they host the Memphis Grizzlies. Tony Wroten is tasked to replace Kemba Walker in the starting SG spot while Al Jefferson, despite not being 100% will fill in the shoes of Josh Smith at the PF position. JR Smith is now expected to play big minutes off the bench while Jason Maxiell is there to ease some burden at the PF position when Jefferson sits out.

If there's a man who we will be keeping an eye on though, it's Chris Paul. He has taken a back seat since the arrival of Kemba so expect him to take matters into his own hands now. James Johnson, who has been absent in some games since the trades, is also expected to play a big role in the Clippers' bid to a much deeper Playoff stint.

It seems the injury bug is hitting the city of Los Angeles pretty hard. It's pretty crazy to think of the amount of injuries both of our teams have had to deal with.

Well you've won some games with CP3 - Wroten - Singleton - Nene - Biendris, I'm sure you can live with CP3 - Wroten - Smith - Al - Biendris.

It feels really bad to see that 2 of the guys I gave you are hurt for long time. But it can happens with anyone, it's part of the game. You'll know how to keep winning.

This is the downside of rh0xxy's system - the inevitable rash of injuries. But you've got Al Jeff to compensate.