Clippers’ Austin Rivers is going through NBA’s concussion protocol
Clippers guard Austin Rivers eased out of the locker room Monday night wearing his team practice gear, his steps measured and his conversation short when asked about having suffered a concussion Saturday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Rivers would only say, “I’m all right,” when asked how he had been feeling. He didn’t play against the Portland Trail Blazers and his return is uncertain while he goes through the NBA’s concussion protocol.
Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said Monday that Austin has passed “two tests.” One was a baseline test that the NBA requires, and Austin was reevaluated by a physician. He still has to pass another set of tests before he can be cleared to play.
But Austin was cleared to travel with the Clippers on their three-game trip at Orlando on Wednesday, Miami on Friday and Washington on Sunday afternoon.
“He’s doing better,” Doc Rivers said. “He will go on the trip. He passed two tests that will at least allow him to travel. And as far as playing, we don’t know yet. He still has several tests [to take]. Once you get put in the protocol, you have a lot of steps to take. And so he has more steps to take.”
Austin Rivers will have his jersey retired Tuesday in Orlando at his high school, Winter Park.
Clippers cautious with Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin, who sat out Saturday because of a sore right knee, played Monday against the Trail Blazers.
Doc Rivers said Griffin’s injury wasn’t serious and the team was being cautious with the power forward.
Rivers was asked if Griffin’s sore knee required an MRI exam.
“No, and it obviously was the other knee,” said Rivers, referring to the partially torn left quadriceps Griffin had last season. “I think all year guys have aches and pains. And whenever it’s the knee area or the ankle area, you’re always more cautious and that’s what we were.”
Raymond Felton returns
The return of Raymond Felton came at the right time for the Clippers with Austin Rivers out.
Felton was not at the Golden State and New Orleans games because he was attending his grandmother’s funeral.
“He got in this morning, just in a nick of time since we don’t have another guard,” Doc Rivers said. “We need Raymond tonight. That was good for us.”
Twitter: @BA_Turner
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