The Los Angeles Clippers aren't exactly living up to their expectations so far this season as they are 5-3 and their most recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night was especially discouraging as they were severely outplayed by a team that is undermanned. Things may not be getting much better for the Clippers either as J.J. Redick left the game after playing just 14 minutes with what is being called back spasms but it may be more concerning than it sounds, according to Jeff Stotts of Rotowire.
Redick was in the midst of another very good game before he had to leave due to the back pain as he already had 10 points. Redick is listed as doubtful for the Clippers game on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns and although it isn't being talked about as a big deal he has dealt with back issues a lot. In the past two seasons Redick has missed 25 games due to back related issues which includes a bulging disc he had in 2013-14. The Clippers might just be taking a cautious approach with the 31 year old guard but it is definitely something to watch.
Over the past couple of seasons with the Clippers Redick has emerged as an excellent NBA player and he is one of Los Angeles' more important players. So far this season Redick is third on the team in scoring at 14.8 points per game and he is shooting 44 percent from three. Not only is the former Duke Blue Devil one of the best three point shooters in the league but he has added a lot to his offensive game and he is also a very good team defender.
Redick's ability to stretch the floor on the offensive end is huge for the Clippers because he opens up space for Blake Griffin and Chris Paul to do their work in the lane. If Redick were to miss any sort of time due to this back issue it would likely mean more of Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford and both guys are currently shooting the three ball at less than 23 percent.
The Clippers have enough talent that they should be able to get by if Redick were to miss a few games but the concern here is long-term. The Clippers have given no reason to worry about this injury for Redick but taking his history with back injuries into account this may cause some concern in Clipperland as Redick is essential to their success.
