Norman Powell Injury: How Long Will Slumping Clippers Be Without 6th Man?

Los Angeles Clippers second-unit shooting guard Norman Powell is expected to be re-evaluated in a week after he suffered a left shoulder subluxation on March 2nd -- the third of his career. 

The 29-year-old is likely to miss three weeks and return with a harness, according to the Pro Basketball Docs, bringing him back to the lineup for close to the final eight games of the regular season. 

Powell suffered his first left shoulder subluxation in November 2018 and missed 22 games over six weeks. He suffered his second shoulder injury in December 2019 and only missed 11 games. 

Norman Powell Injury Update

Because the recurring issue has more than likely damaged Powell's labrum and created chronic looseness, the Docs expect him to undergo surgery this offseason, but he will be able to play for the rest of the season without limitations.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry suffered a similar left shoulder injury in mid-December, missed 11 games and returned with a heavy sleeve four weeks later. 

Now 33-33 and the No. 8 seed in the West, Los Angeles has lost five games in a row but is heading into a 10-game stretch that includes nine contests at home. 

Recently-acquired Eric Gordon started in the Clippers' loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and scored 21 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists, but head coach Tyronn Lue is known to shuffle rotations at a moment's notice and could pivot to Terance Mann or Bones Hyland.