J.J. Redick returns; Jamal Crawford, Danny Granger likely out until playoffs
LOS ANGELES -- J.J. Redick made his return to the Clippers on Thursday night, but two other players -- Jamal Crawford and Danny Granger -- could be out until the playoffs begin later this month.
Redick, who has missed the past 25 games because of a bulging disk in his lower back, finished with 12 points in 24 minutes off the bench.
"I want to see what he can do," Rivers said prior to the game. "Is he 100 percent? How's he moving? So I guess it's important for everyone. I think he's good, but we just don't know."
Crawford (strained left calf) and Granger (strained left hamstring) were scratched Thursday and might miss the remainder of the season. Granger was sent home after the Clippers played at Dallas on March 27, and Crawford missed the past two games because of a recurrence of his injury.
"I don't think they're healthy," Rivers said. "If they're healthy, they'll play, and I don't know if they will be. I'm just saying I'm concerned that there's a chance. Danny most likely will not play until the playoffs, but Jamal, it's starting to turn that way."
Crawford said he was hopeful of returning before the regular season ends, but he knows it's more important that he be available for the postseason.
"I'm taking it day by day," he said. "I want to play, but I also understand the big picture and getting ready for the playoffs."
