Los Angeles Clippers star Jamal Crawford is closing in on a return to action after being sidelined with a calf injury for the past 14 games.
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Crawford went through a full workout on Tuesday and is scheduled to travel with the team during their two-game road trip to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets this week.
It is understood that he isn’t expected to play, according to ESPN, but coach Doc Rivers revealed that his sixth man is making good progress in his rehabilitation and should be ready to make his comeback sooner rather than later.
“He’s doing a lot better from what I hear,” Rivers said.
“I haven’t talked to him personally. His talk sounds more confident and our medical staff’s talk sounds more confident. I think that’s a good sign.”
It is suggested that Crawford has been pencilled in to make his return when the Clippers play city rivals the Los Angeles Lakers on April 7, and he will certainly be welcomed back into contention given his importance to the team.
The Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 16.4 points this season and ranks first in the league in bench scoring and was first in the league in fourth quarter points prior to his injury.
While the likes of Isaiah Thomas and Nikola Mirotic will likely provide him with tough competition for the award this year, Crawford’s ability to lead the second unit will be vital for the Clippers in the playoffs.
The veteran has proven to be a clutch player time and time again, and Rivers will undoubtedly be delighted to welcome him back into the fold as soon as possible.
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