Blake Griffin is bound to make his return and the Clippers could actually serve his suspension now, as he has been cleared for practice.
The report from ESPN writer Andrew Han stated that the former Slam Dunk champ is already "medically cleared for contact and will participate in his first practice of 2016 on Saturday," Han quote d coach Doc Rivers.
"I don't know yet. We'll see. I doubt it, but I will see," Rivers said."I don't know if one practice is enough to -- I think we got to activate him when we think he's ready to play.
The former NBA champion coach airs a word of caution: "We just got to watch [Griffin]. If we go long today [at practice], which I don't think we will -- we will with some guys, but not that much -- and he goes through the whole one and looks great, then that's obviously something that we would have to think about. I don't see that. I don't think he's going to do enough for us to feel comfortable yet. But I'm not sure yet."
There is also the issue of rust. "It's not about the rust, though. You're going to have rust because you're not playing basketball. It's more just movement. He's moving much better."
According to Clipperholics, there is no binding rule that forces the team to wait for Griffin to make the active list before starting his suspension.
"Griffin has now participated and played well in a full practice, leaving the Clippers with the option to check his condition and ultimately clear him to play and start the suspension."
The LA Clippers rose from a bad start all the way to a firm hold on 4th place in the Western Conference which would give them precious homecourt advantage against the 5th placer, which would be their bitter rivals, the Memphis Grizzlies.
Griffin's presence is needed against the tough Grizzlies, but he could play a more significant role in the second round if they get past the grit n' grind.
The Golden State Warriors swept the Clippers, 4-0 in their head to head match-up and are heavy favorites against the Clips, but Griffin will return healthy and rested. The Clippers could change their game and focus on Griffin scoring buckets in the low post, something they haven't done in his absence.