The Los Angeles Clippers are in the middle of making a push to the top of the Western Conference, and losing swingman Jamal Crawford isn’t part of that plan.
Crawford had missed three straight games with a strained calf before returning to action against his former team, the Atlanta Hawks, on Saturday, but was only able to play 10 minutes (going 0-2 from the field, with 3 points on free throws) before coming out of the game.
ESPN’s Arash Markazi tweeted that it may have been too soon for Crawford to attempt to come back.
Jamal Crawford said he returned too soon. Said he needs to get his left calf stronger. He'll miss Monday's game and he's day to day.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) March 9, 2014
Jamal Crawford didn't re-injure his left calf he just needs more to get it stronger.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) March 9, 2014
Earlier today, Markazi updated Crawford’s situation.
Jamal Crawford suffered a slight setback last night and could be out a few games. http://t.co/ycWmfKYMcY
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) March 9, 2014
The Clippers are a bit shorthanded at the guard position, and head coach Doc Rivers wasn’t shy about pointing that out in speaking to Markazi.
“We don’t have enough guards to take any risks right now,” Rivers said after the game.
The Clippers are set to play four games this week, and will need to get Crawford back and healthy as soon as possible.