Report: Clippers’ Blake Griffin could return as early as Friday

Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin, right, talks to DeAndre Jordan on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Blake Griffin could shatter the timetable for his return from injury by making a highly unexpected return for the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.

Brad Turner, Clippers beat reporter for the L.A. Times, shared the update on Tuesday.

Los Angeles has since assigned Griffin to the G League as he continues his rehab.

The star power forward sprained the MCL in his left knee when teammate Austin Rivers fell on him on Nov. 27 in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was ruled out for up to eight weeks initially, but a Dec. 29 return against the Lakers after 13 games would cut that recovery period in half.

Griffin looked to be taking like a duck to water as the sole face of the franchise after the departure of Chris Paul, averaging 23.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and a surprising 2.2 three-pointers per game.

Unfortunately, the Clippers (14-19) have been ravaged by injuries with Patrick Beverley already lost for the season, Danilo Gallinari out until at least January, and key free agent signing Milos Teodosic also missing time.

Considering Griffin’s previous injury history, the Clippers would be wise to err on the side of caution. He is listed as questionable for Friday’s game.

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