Rui Hachimura is cleared to play for the LA Clippers. He was listed day-to-day with a left quadriceps injury, and the update makes him available for Friday night's game at Minnesota.
What happened
Rui Hachimura is cleared to play. The official injury report updated the Clippers forward's status at 6:54 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 30, about an hour before tipoff in Minnesota. He had been listed as day-to-day since Thursday, Oct. 29, when he moved up from out with a left quadriceps injury. He was first listed out on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The report gave no detail or comment with the update. The 28-year-old missed one game while he was out.
What it means for the Clippers
The Clippers play at Minnesota on Friday at 8 p.m. ET. They are 1-3, the 12th seed, and have lost three straight. Hachimura has played three games and is averaging 10.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 31.2 minutes. The Clippers are 1-2 with him and 0-1 without him. While he was out, Darius Garland played 32.5 minutes and scored 21.5 points, Kris Dunn played 30.1 minutes and Derrick Jones Jr. played 29.6 minutes with 12.5 points. Isaiah Jackson and Kobe Sanders each played 21.3 minutes. Hachimura's return gives the Clippers a forward back, but Max Strus, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal and Jordan Miller are all still listed out.
What to watch
The first thing to watch is his minutes against the Timberwolves. He was averaging 31.2 a game before the quadriceps injury, and no minutes limit has been announced. The next injury report will show whether he stays off the list. It will also show any changes for the five teammates still listed out. With three straight losses, the Clippers are trying to get their starting group back together. Friday in Minnesota is his first chance to play since being cleared.
Is Rui Hachimura playing at Timberwolves on Friday?
He is cleared to play. The official injury report updated his status from day-to-day to cleared at 6:54 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 30, ahead of the 8 p.m. ET game at Minnesota.
When will Rui Hachimura be back?
He is back now. Hachimura is cleared after missing time with a left quadriceps injury. He was listed out on Oct. 27 and day-to-day on Oct. 29.