Paul George will miss Clippers' elimination game against Pelicans / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: USA TODAY Sports-SCANPIX Credit USA TODAY Sports-SCANPIX

Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George entered the NBA's health and safety protocol and won't play Friday night as Los Angeles looks to lock up the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

The Clippers host the New Orleans Pelicans, with the winner earning the No. 8 seed and a date Sunday with the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

George was feeling ill on Thursday before testing positive for COVID-19, according to Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.

"We feel really bad for Paul and hope for a speedy recovery," Frank said. "At the same time, this is another challenge for our group, and those of you who have followed our team all year (know) the group has dealt with challenges all year. We've had guys in and out of the lineup, we've dealt with overcoming large deficits and yet, this group has always responded.

"Very resilient group, obviously a great deal of faith, a talented and deep roster, we have a great coach in Ty Lue and a great staff, so this is a challenge, but it's just been a series of challenges. And maybe fitting this is a situation where all those reps and the experience that the group has had, they've been in these moments many, many times."

George, 31, has been limited to just 31 games this season. The seven-time All-Star missed three months with an elbow injury.

He scored a game-high 34 points on Tuesday in the Clippers' 109-104 loss to Minnesota in the opening round of the play-in tournament. The Timberwolves advanced to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, leaving the Clippers to play another game to try to make the postseason.

On the season, George -- a first-team All-NBA selection in 2018-19 -- is averaging 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.

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