Clippers Forward Max Strus Out Four Weeks with Plantar Fasciitis
The Los Angeles Clippers will be without Max Strus for at least the start of the regular season after he suffered a partial tear in his right foot during a preseason game.
The Los Angeles Clippers' injury concerns have mounted with veteran forward Max Strus sidelined for at least four weeks due to a partial plantar fasciitis tear in his right foot. The non-contact injury occurred Sunday during the Clippers' preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors in Hawaii.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the severity of Strus' injury on Monday. Strus exited the game just five minutes in after cutting across the lane to receive a pass. He was unable to put weight on his right foot and limped to the locker room, prompting a timeout call from head coach Ty Lue.
"That's never good to see when it's a non-contact," Lue said after the game, according to reports.
Strus' absence will impact the Clippers' expected shooting depth as the regular season approaches. He was acquired by the Clippers in August as part of a multi-team trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets.
This latest injury adds to the Clippers' preseason challenges. Forward Brandon Ingram, acquired from the Toronto Raptors in the Kawhi Leonard trade, is also expected to miss the start of the season while recovering from Achilles surgery performed in May. Additionally, Bradley Beal is dealing with right knee inflammation, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser has a foot issue.
Strus was anticipated to be a key shooter for the Clippers this season, averaging 10.4 points and 2.8 three-pointers per game in his previous tenure. Ingram has recently progressed to light work on the court but has not significantly advanced in his recovery.