Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Reasons Behind Early Struggles

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November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) moves the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Injuries

Every team in the NBA deals with injuries. The 3-11 New Orleans Pelicans can attest to that. But at some point, virtually every team in the history of the NBA has dealt with major or minor injury problems of some sort. Unfortunately for the Clippers, their nagging injuries in the backcourt only qualify for the “minor” category.

Through the first 13 games of the season, the Clippers have trotted out six different starting lineups, including five different lineups in the last five games. Part of the problem is Doc Rivers‘ ongoing search for the right starting small forward (more on this in a bit), but the other part of the problem has been sporadic injuries keeping Chris Paul and J.J. Redick on the sidelines.

Because of back spasms, Redick has been limited to 10 games, and the nagging injury has even hindered his play when he’s been on the court, with the Clippers’ shooting guard averaging 13.9 points per game after putting up 16.4 per game last season. For reference, Redick has already missed three games this year after only missing four all of last season.

As for CP3, he’s missed three games due to a groin injury. It didn’t seem to bother him much in his return against the Warriors when he posted 35 points on 13-of-22 shooting, but in the two games since, he’s gone a combined 9-for-25 from the floor. With the Clippers going 1-2 in games without CP3 and/or Redick, Los Angeles needs its backcourt fully healthy to move forward.

Next: No. 4

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