Chris Douglas-Roberts hopeful he'll return during Clippers road trip
Chris Douglas-Roberts could be back for the Clippers on their road trip this week.
Douglas-Roberts, who has been out with a strained right Achilles, said he expects to be ready to return this week, perhaps on Wednesday at Indiana.
The Clippers (14-5) are playing their best basketball of the season and have won seven consecutive games. They'll go for eight in a row tonight against Phoenix at Staples Center.
The game can be seen starting at 7 p.m. on Prime Ticket.
Douglas-Roberts -- who hasn't played since the loss to Golden State on Nov. 5 -- said he's out for tonight, but he believes he's in a good place after rest.
"It's moreso a mental thing when you're hurt," Douglas-Roberts said. "Going into a game, you know, 'Damn, I can't make this play I would (normally) make. You were watching film last year (and) I can't get to that spot. Now my confidence is back. I'm healthy for the first time, even moreso than last year. I know, 'OK, now you can get back to playing your game.'"
Against the Pelicans on Saturday, the Clippers built an 18-point lead in the first quarter, but the bench frittered it away and the teams were tied at halftime. Douglas-Roberts believes he can help.
Douglas-Roberts is still looking to find his niche with the Clippers this season. He's averaging 2 points and 11 minutes per game in four games this season.
"During that time, collectively we weren't playing well when I was playing," Douglas-Roberts said. "During this time stride I've been out, the guys have been playing great. I can see why. I can learn the offense more. (I've) been watching film. We kind of know what works now. I kind of know what works, too, in that 3-spot."
