Paul George is out for Clippers vs. Wizards due to ‘dizziness’

Clippers star Paul George had to be scratched from the starting lineup against the Wizards because of “dizziness.”

The Clippers are without star forward Paul George against the Wizards for a bit of an unusual reason.

George went through warm-ups before being ruled out just before tipoff because of “dizziness.”

For the Clippers, this is a familiar feeling. On Tuesday, they were all set to take on the Celtics when Kawhi Leonard, who had been named a starter for the game, was ruled out. George put up 32 points, but they lost 117-112 without their All-Star leader.

Now Los Angeles faces the prospect of a third loss in a row and six losses in nine if they can’t overcome another late scratch. They are already half a game behind the Suns in the Pacific and 3.5 games back of the conference-leading Jazz. Were the season to end right now, they would be the No. 3 seed.

Paul George highlighted the importance of the Wizards game

George called the Wizard’s game “must-win” because it could send the team into the All-Star break feelings positive, making it extra disappointing for him to miss out.

The positive is Reggie Jackson will enter the lineup, coming off a strong performance in Boston. He had 25 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds in 37 minutes against the Celtics. Leonard is also good to go for the game.

George has averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists so far this season, leading the team in the latter category. He is still supposed to participate in the weekend’s All-Star game unless whatever is causing his dizziness lingers.

The seven-time All-Star missed seven games in February while dealing with a foot injury. This is the 10th game this season he has been unavailable. The Clippers will have to hope he can stay more healthy to end the campaign.