Clippers say still no timetable for Blake Griffin’s return

The latest update on Clippers forward Blake Griffin’s status is that there really is no update.

Griffin remains out recovering from a torn left quadriceps muscle and there is no timetable for his return.

Griffin hasn’t played since he suffered the injury against the Lakers on Christmas.

But Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said the team has been encouraged by Griffin’s progress.

“He’s been working more,” Rivers said. “Looks better. We’re hoping sooner than later. There’s no date, but he does look better.”

Rivers said he was “confident” Griffin would play before the playoffs start around the weekend of April 16.

“I can’t say that with 100% certainty, but I do feel like he’ll be back,” Rivers said. “Just not sure when.”

Even when Griffin is cleared to play, he’ll still have to serve a four-game suspension for punching Clippers assistant equipment manager Matias Testi in January.

Griffin broke his right hand, but Rivers said that is not an issue for his power forward.

Rivers said there was “no concern” that Griffin could miss the rest of the season.

“Obviously I guess there’s a chance of that,” Rivers said. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think he’ll be back, hopefully sooner than later. But not this week.”

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