LA Clippers wing Max Strus sidelined with plantar fascia injury

The Los Angeles Clippers have been dealt a significant injury blow as the regular season approaches, with wing Max Strus confirmed to have suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot. The injury occurred during the team's preseason opener in Hawaii this past Sunday, forcing the forward to the sidelines for the immediate future.

According to league sources, Strus will undergo a reevaluation in four weeks to determine his recovery progress. The incident took place just five minutes into the contest when Strus attempted to cut across the lane to receive a pass. He pulled up abruptly upon catching the ball and appeared to be in immediate discomfort, struggling to place weight on his right foot. Clippers head coach Ty Lue signaled for a timeout, and Strus was assisted off the court and into the locker room. Subsequent medical testing conducted in Los Angeles following the team's return from Honolulu confirmed the diagnosis.

Among those currently unavailable is Brandon Ingram, who was acquired from the Toronto Raptors in the trade involving Kawhi Leonard. Ingram remains in recovery following heel surgery and a procedure to repair a partially torn Achilles performed in May. While he has recently begun light court work, he is not expected to be ready for the start of the campaign. The team is also navigating the absences of veteran guard Bradley Beal, who is managing right knee inflammation, and second-year center Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who is currently dealing with a foot injury.