Clippers: George practices for the first time since December

PLAYA VISTA, Calif. — Paul George He participated in his first practice with the LA Clippers in more than three months Thursday as he tries to get back on the court before the start of the postseason.

The Clippers said George, who hasn’t played since Dec. 22, is in the next phase of his rehabilitation program for a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He remains out for Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

George was cleared to practice after participating in a 4-on-4, minimal-contact drill against the Clippers’ coaches on Sunday.

“He’s doing good,” Clippers coach Ty Lue said before Thursday’s practice. “He hasn’t been in any pain, so that’s a positive. He’s working on his conditioning to make sure he can continue with minimal contact without having a problem. So far, it hasn’t been a problem.”

During the All-Star break, George was seen throwing left-handed from close range on the team’s practice court. Earlier this month, George was seen shooting with his right hand.

The Clippers, who occupy 8th place in Western Conference standingsthey could get some reinforcements for the play-in tournament.

Norman Powell, limited to three games after being acquired before the trade deadline, began shooting on the floor with the team this week. Powell, who suffered a broken bone in his left foot, has not yet been cleared for contact practice, Lue said.

With eight games remaining in the regular season, the Clippers (36-38) hope to cut veterans’ minutes Reggie JacksonMarcus Morris and Nic Batum before the play-in tournament.

Lue said he’d rather see any of his injured players return for at least one regular-season game before the postseason begins. The coach also said earlier this week that if any of the injured Clippers are medically cleared to play in the postseason, he will play.

So while the Clippers haven’t offered an update on Kawhi Leonardwho continues to work his way back from an ACL injury he sustained last June, Lue is keeping the door open for Leonard, George and Powell, even if they don’t return by the end of the regular season.

“Sure I do, I keep it open [la posibilidad]Lue said. “…Getting to the playoffs going 100, from zero to 100, it’s pretty tough. But if the doctors say they’re authorized and can do it, that’s totally up to them.”