Clippers Injury Blow
Clippers guard Max Strus faces an extended absence after suffering a torn plantar fascia.
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Key Points
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Strus was injured less than five minutes into the first quarter while making a cut; Clippers coach Ty Lue called it a non-contact play and said it was concerning.
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The right-foot injury follows a serious issue with Strus’s left foot: a Jones fracture kept him out of Cleveland’s first 67 games last season. After returning in March, he played 12 regular-season games, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
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Strus had entered the preseason game in the starting lineup. The Clippers acquired him from Cleveland in a five-team trade, expecting his shooting, passing and defensive versatility to strengthen the roster.
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Rookie Keaton Wagler hit the game-winning jumper in the Clippers’ preseason victory over Golden State.
LA Clippers guard Max Strus suffered a partially torn plantar fascia in his right foot during the preseason opener against Golden State, ruling him out for at least four weeks. Press Telegram reported the injury occurred less than five minutes into the first quarter on a non-contact cutting play. Coach Ty Lue called it concerning and a significant blow to the team's wing rotation.
The setback compounds the Clippers' injury troubles heading into the season. Brandon Ingram remains sidelined while Bradley Beal's availability is uncertain. TSN noted that Strus will be re-evaluated in four weeks, though extended rest may be needed. Rookie Keaton Wagler made an immediate impact, hitting the game-winning jumper in LA's preseason victory.
A Pattern of Foot Problems for Strus
This marks Strus's third consecutive season dealing with a serious foot injury. The New York Times reported he suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot last season while with Cleveland, sidelining him for 67 games. After returning in March, he played just 12 regular-season games, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists before the trade.
The Clippers acquired Strus from Cleveland in a five-team trade, banking on his shooting, passing and defensive versatility. NBC Sports noted the injury occurred during his first start for LA, raising questions about durability moving forward.
Wagler Seizes Unexpected Early Opportunity
Rookie Keaton Wagler stepped into the spotlight immediately with Strus sidelined. He delivered the game-winning jumper in the Clippers' preseason victory, earning early trust from the coaching staff. The performance suggests Wagler could absorb significant minutes as LA adjusts to their depleted wing depth.
With Brandon Ingram out and Bradley Beal uncertain, Wagler's emergence offers a bright spot. The rookie's quick impact suggests he could develop into a reliable rotation piece sooner than expected this season.
Clippers' Wings Depleted Before Season Starts
LA now faces significant depth issues at the wing position before the regular season even begins. Strus's absence combines with Ingram's injury and Beal's uncertain status to leave the Clippers thin on reliable scoring options on the perimeter.
The front office will need to rely on role players and developing talent like Wagler while the injury situation stabilizes. Coach Ty Lue must adjust the rotation and find creative lineup combinations to stay competitive during this critical period.
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