Clippers' Hedo Turkoglu likely out until conference finals with back injury

Clippers’ Hedo Turkoglu likely out until conference finals with back injury

Apr 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Hedo Turkoglu (8) is helped off the court after an offensive foul by Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) during the third quarter in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers said Hedo Turkoglu will miss Friday’s Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and may be out until the next round of the playoffs with a back injury, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.

Doc says Hedo Turkoglu (back) still out and his return doesn't look good this series.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 10, 2014

The 13-year veteran injured his back after a collision with Golden State’s David Lee in Game 5 of the Clippers opening playoff series, and hasn’t played since.

The Clippers picked up Turkoglu after his release by the Orlando Magic, in hopes of bolstering their bench, but he has averaged just ten minutes a game since being signed in January.

Turkoglu still hopes he’ll be able to return to the series against the Thunder, according to Spears.

LAC Hedo Turkoglu said he hopes to return to action in Game 5 on Tuesday in OKC. He has been out w/hairline fracture in lower back since 5/1
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 10, 2014

The Thunder currently lead the best of seven series with the Clippers, 2-1, with Game 4 set to be played on Sunday at the Staples Center.

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