The Pelicans are out in L.A. for a one-game-takes-all matchup with the Clippers, but they won't be seeing NBA star Paul George on the court.
The L.A. shooting guard has tested positive for coronavirus and will not play, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
It's news that could, and almost certainly will, significantly alter the matchup that will determine who lands the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket and sets out for a first round series against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns. The Clippers lost to the Timberwolves in the 7-8 game, while the Pelicans defeated the Spurs in the 10-9 game to set up the showdown in L.A.
George has only played in 31 games this season due to injuries and fellow star Kawhi Leonard has missed the entire season. But George made his return late in the season to help L.A. secure the No. 8 spot in the standings heading into the play-in, averaging 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.2 steals on the season. His absence will mean the Pelicans face the same team they defeated in the first three matchups. The Clippers won handily in the most recent game between the teams with George in action. The Pelicans opened as 4-point underdogs, but that line was closer to even as of noon Friday.
Should the Pelicans win, they'd clinch their first return to the playoffs since the 2018 season.
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The game will tip off at 9 p.m. central on TNT.
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