The Clippers will welcome back a key piece to their rotation on Sunday against Detroit.
The Los Angeles Clippers (9-21) are set to host the Detroit Pistons (24-7) on Sunday night at Intuit Dome, and while the injury report remains lengthy, there is finally some good news for Los Angeles.
Derrick Jones Jr. has been cleared to return after missing more than six weeks with a sprained MCL, giving the Clippers a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor.
Jones suffered the knee injury back on November 16 and was initially ruled out for at least six weeks.
Prior to the injury, he was averaging 10.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 53.3 percent from the field and providing the kind of defensive energy that made him valuable last season with Dallas.
Updated Injury Report
The Clippers released their updated injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup, and while Jones is back, the team still has several key players sidelined.
Cam Christie is listed as probable with a left ankle sprain, while John Collins is questionable due to illness.
Collins has been solid since joining Los Angeles, averaging 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season, and the team will be hoping he can suit up against Detroit.
The list of players ruled out remains significant. Bradley Beal continues to be sidelined after suffering a left hip fracture that required season-ending surgery, ending what was already a disappointing start to his Clippers tenure after just six games.
Bogdan Bogdanović is out for left hamstring injury management, and Ivica Zubac remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain that is expected to keep him out through mid-January.
Chris Paul, who was released by the team earlier this month, is listed as not with team.
What Jones Jr. Brings Back
Getting Jones back is huge for a Clippers team that has struggled mightily this season and currently sits 13th in the Western Conference.
The veteran forward provides length, athleticism, and switchable defense that Los Angeles has desperately missed during his absence.
With Kawhi Leonard averaging 26.2 points per game and James Harden putting up 26.3 points and 8.1 assists, the Clippers have the offensive firepower to compete.
The issue has been depth and defensive consistency, both areas where Jones can make an immediate impact.
The Clippers have won three straight games heading into Sunday, including impressive victories over the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, and they will be looking to build on that momentum against a Pistons team that has been one of the biggest surprises in the league this season.
Tip-off is set for 9:00 p.m. EST.