Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. has been cleared to return to action for Sunday’s game against Detroit, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Jones has been sidelined since November 16 with a sprained MCL in his right knee. He was projected to miss at least six weeks, so he’s returning right on schedule.
Jones’ absence is among the reasons for the Clippers’ slow start, although they’ve rebounded over the past week to win three straight games. He’s averaging 10.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 13 games, and he provides a strong defensive presence that L.A. has been missing.
Jones was injured in a collision with Boston’s Jaylen Brown that caused his knee to bend inward at an odd angle. He had to be helped off the court, and the Clippers were relieved when medical testing showed there was no structural damage.
Jones was a full-time starter before the injury and figures to make his way back into that role, even if it doesn’t happen right away. Coach Tyronn Lue has been using a makeshift starting lineup since Ivica Zubac suffered an ankle sprain that’s expected to sideline him through mid-January.
In addition, Bogdan Bogdanovic will miss Sunday’s game due to left hamstring injury management and Cam Christie is questionable with a sprained left ankle.