LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers stands on the court during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on February 22, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings won 112-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers are already at a disadvantage as the NBA bubble season gets underway
Clippers sixth man Lou Williams left the NBA bubble on Thursday night — with permission from the league, we might add — but did not stick to his itinerary. The key Clippers bench cog will be forced to sit out ten days after attending Magic City Gentlemen’s Club in Orlando for dinner.
Williams averages nearly 19 points-per-game as one of the Clippers key contributors outside of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, and LA will surely miss his services in the two seeding games they’ll be forced to endure his absence.
The Clippers will be without Lou Williams for two games
Williams’ quarantine should serve as a warning to others around the Association as to how serious Adam Silver and Co. are taking this. Staying on campus is vital, and can be the difference between competing for an NBA title and an early playoff exit.
In Williams’ absence, the Clippers will rely even more heavily on Patrick Beverley to carry more of an offensive burden — rather than his usual defensive prowess — at the guard position. Reggie Jackson can also expect an increased role as an impact scorer off the bench.
The Clippers enter the seeding games with nowhere to go but down, as they’re 5.5 games behind the Lakers for the No. 1 spot in the West, which is an insurmountable deficit. However, the Denver Nuggets sit just 1.5 games behind the Clippers for the No. 2 spot, so LA shouldn’t get too comfortable just yet.
Williams’ detour to Magic City isn’t helping matters.