Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. has been cleared to return for Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Pistons, according to sources cited by Shams Charania of ESPN.
Jones has been out since November 16 after spraining the MCL in his right knee. The original timetable projected a minimum six-week absence, placing his comeback precisely on schedule.
Before the injury, the 6-foot-6 wing started every game for the Clippers and averaged 10.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists across 13 appearances. His defensive versatility was missed during the team’s sluggish start, although Los Angeles has strung together three consecutive wins entering Sunday.
The 27-year-old was hurt when a collision with Boston’s Jaylen Brown forced his knee inward, requiring assistance off the court. Subsequent testing revealed no structural damage.
Head coach Tyronn Lue has relied on patchwork lineups while center Ivica Zubac recovers from an ankle sprain expected to keep him sidelined until mid-January. Jones is expected to reclaim a starting role once his minutes ramp up.
In other injury updates, Bogdan Bogdanovic will sit out Sunday for left hamstring management, and rookie Cam Christie is listed as questionable with a sprained left ankle.
Source: Hoops Rumors
