Blake Griffin to have surgery on elbow; Damian Lillard replaces him on All-Star team
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin will undergo surgery on Monday to remove a staph infection in his right elbow, the team announced.
Griffin will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break and will miss the All-Star Game on Feb. 15 in New York. He is averaging 22.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.
The Clippers did not give a specific timetable for Griffin's return, but estimates for similar procedures could have him sidelined anywhere from two to six weeks.
"It could be a while," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters prior to Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Spencer Hawes started in Griffin's place Sunday.
Griffin had problems with bursitis in the same elbow and most recently had it drained while the team was in New York last week. The infection was discovered Saturday after Griffin had his swollen elbow examined at an Oklahoma City hospital.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Sunday that Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard will replace Griffin on the West All-Star team.
"I am thankful," Lillard told Yahoo Sports. "I feel bad for Blake, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to be there."
West All-Star coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors also must replace Griffin and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant in the starting lineup after they were voted in by the fans.
Since missing his entire first NBA season with a broken left kneecap, Griffin has played in 359 of a possible 363 regular-season games for the Clippers.
More NBA coverage:
