The LA Clippers have Montrezl Harrell back in time for the start of their 2020 playoff run.
Harrell has emerged from the NBA’s quarantine in time to join the team against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series (9 ET, ESPN).
Whole again. pic.twitter.com/8512dbQvUI
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) August 17, 2020
Before tip-off, Clippers coach Doc Rivers said Harrell, a finalist for 2019-20 Kia Sixth Man of the Year, would play “very little” in Game 1.
Doc says Harrell will play, but “very little.” Beverley will play, too, no restrictions. pic.twitter.com/kyCtjNLxp4
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) August 17, 2020
This was Harrell’s first time on the court with teammates since he left the season restart on July 17 because of a family emergency. The Clippers were hopeful Harrell could play in the team’s final seeding game last Friday, but he was not able to as he was still in quarantine.
Harrell posted early last week on Twitter that he was back on the NBA campus. He was then required to quarantine for at least four days. The league has said quarantine for those who leave the bubble can last as much as 10 days or more if those individuals are not tested daily while they are away.
One of the top reserve players in the NBA this season, Harrell is averaging career highs in minutes (27.8), points (18.6) and rebounds (7.1).
He didn’t play in any of the eight seeding games, so he will get thrown into the playoffs. Patrick Beverley (calf strain) and Landry Shamet (left foot sprain) have been nursing injuries for the Clippers since the season restart.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
