Bradley Beal and Brandon Ingram will not be ready for the LA Clippers’ season opener against the Sacramento Kings, with Max Strus and young centre Yanic Konan Niederhauser also set to miss the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Clippers gave the update on Wednesday (US time) before their preseason finale against the Denver Nuggets at Intuit Dome, according to Orange County Register reporter Janis Carr and Clippers beat writer Joey Linn, as relayed by WhyNBA. CBS Sports also reported, citing NBA writer Justin Russo, that Beal won’t be ready for Opening Night.
There was some better news in the same update. Ingram and Konan Niederhauser have progressed to on-court work, while Kobe Sanders, who sat out against Denver with a hip issue, is expected to be available for the opener, with the team optimistic he will play.
Beal still managing knee inflammation
Beal is nearly fully recovered from the hip fracture that limited him to six regular-season games last season, but he developed inflammation in his right knee while ramping up for his return, ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly reported. Azarly also reported that the veteran guard is still not taking part in five-on-five work.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said on Tuesday there was no set date for Beal’s return. “He’s been getting better. Rehab is going pretty good so we’ll see where he’s at,” Lue said. “We don’t know the timetable, just basically making sure he feels good before he steps on the floor.”
Read more: NBA: Brandon Ingram to Miss Start of Clippers Season With Partial Achilles Tear
Ingram ramping up after Achilles tear
Ingram has been working his way back from a partially torn Achilles, and Lue said the forward was doing more at practice but still had some way to go.
“He’s been increasing, he’s been ramping up,” Lue said. “He’s doing a lot more, so just seeing him on the floor, that’s a good sign. It’s going to still take some time, it’s going to be a while, but just seeing him on the floor being able to do certain things has been good to see.”
Strus hurt his right foot in the preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors in Hawaii and has been diagnosed with a plantar fascia tear. “It’s tough, but like I told him, we’re going to wait for him,” Lue said of Strus. “We’re going to hold the fort down until we get our guys back.”
Who steps up for the Clippers
With a big chunk of the rotation sidelined, the Clippers are expected to lean heavily on Darius Garland and former Laker Rui Hachimura early in the season. Lue started Garland, No. 5 draft pick Keaton Wagler, Derrick Jones Jr., Hachimura and Isaiah Jackson against Denver, with Kris Dunn rested.
Forward Jordan Miller also remains out long term after left rotator cuff surgery in August.
The Clippers open their season at home to the Kings at Intuit Dome on Wednesday 21 October, US time (Thursday 22 October in Australia).
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