Rowan Kavner
LOS ANGELES – Jamal Crawford will sit out the final preseason game tonight against the Trail Blazers.
Head coach Doc Rivers said prior to Friday’s game that neither Crawford nor Glen Davis (groin) will be playing, but guard Jordan Farmar (back) will be available. Rivers described Crawford as hurting, but not hurt.
“It’s not serious,” Rivers said. “I just decided, why even take any chances? If it was a regular season game, he could play tonight, for sure.”
Rivers said it could be a hamstring issue, while Crawford wouldn’t elaborate much on what’s bothering him. He described himself as a little banged up, but he wouldn’t say he has a specific injury. This is the second straight game Crawford, who’s shooting 60 percent from deep this preseason, has rested.
The eighth and final preseason game is an interesting one for head coaches, who try to get their regulars back into rhythm but don’t want their players to get hurt. That said, Rivers said coaches can’t worry about injuries, because they happen.
“When you see a player where you feel like he’s not trying to get hurt, you get him out, because he will,” Rivers said. “Then when you see a player going for it, you play him, because he’s telling you by his actions he needs to play more.”
Rivers is looking for better play from his second group with Crawford out. He said that group is dependent on Crawford and Spencer Hawes for offense, and the group’s struggled without Crawford in the lineup.
“We probably knew that anyway, but if we didn’t know it, we know it now,” Rivers said. “So first half, I’m going to try to play guys pretty normal minutes. Second half, I don’t know if I’ll play anybody. I’m not sure. I guess I’ve got to play five, but I’m not sure who will play. I’m going to just watch the game and see what Portland does.”
RELATED CONTENT
- Preseason Shootaround: Clippers vs. Trail Blazers
- Photos: Game Action - Clippers vs. Trail Blazers | 10/12/14
- Video: Chris Paul Is Ready To Get The Season Started
- Video: B's Keys vs. Blazers