Blake Griffin to Miss Several Weeks After Minor Knee Surgery

The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday night that forward Blake Griffin will undergo a minor procedure on his right knee this week. The operation is being tabbed as a “cleanup” that should have Griffin back on the floor sometime in January.

Right knee soreness kept Griffin out for a game against the New Orleans Pelicans last week but otherwise has been playing through the pain. His numbers have been solid overall. The seventh-year forward is averaging nearly 23 points and nine rebounds per game on 48 percent shooting from the field.

Clippers without Griffin

Being without Griffin is nothing new for the Clippers. He was able to play in just 35 regular season games last year after suffering a partially torn quadriceps last December. He also broke his hand while he was sidelined with the quad problem during an altercation with a former team equipment manager that sidelined him for an additional few weeks.

He was able to return by the time the Clippers began postseason play, but re-aggravated the quad injury in Game 4 of the team’s first round series with the Portland Trail Blazers. He would not play another game and L.A. was eliminated by Portland in six games.

Even without him, the Clips were able to thrive last season. Griffin’s absence puts more weight on the shoulders of everybody, but nobody more so than point guard Chris Paul.

CP3’s usage rate escalates by about 3 percent whenever he is on the floor sans Griffin, while his assist rate skyrockets, as well. Griffin scores many of his baskets unassisted, and his absence means Paul is required to try and set the table for his teammates more frequently.

It also typically means a spike in production from DeAndre Jordan. Without Griffin, Jordan is really the Clippers’ only upper level rebounder. He’s also involved far more in the offense whenever Griffin is off the floor.

Moving forward

The Clippers are 20-8 so far this season, but fell to fourth place in the West on the heels of a surprising defeat at the hands of the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon. Griffin played quite well, scoring 26 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists in 38 minutes of action.

While there will be some tests against the likes of the Spurs and Rockets, the Clips’ schedule actually sets up fairly favorably over the next several weeks. Many of the opponents on LAC’s schedule find themselves on the outside looking in on the current playoff picture.

The Clippers will get their second crack against the Warriors on January 28th at Oracle Arena. The team will be hopeful to have Griffin back on the floor by that point.