Clippers' Lue Faces Frontcourt Dilemma With Injuries

Coach must choose between veteran Brook Lopez or smaller lineup as team battles for playoff spot.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:54pm

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The Los Angeles Clippers are dealing with injuries to two key big men, leaving head coach Tyronn Lue with difficult decisions on how to manage the frontcourt rotation. Rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhauser is out for the season after foot surgery, while backup center Isaiah Jackson is sidelined with a right ankle sprain. This has forced Lue to rely heavily on the 38-year-old veteran Brook Lopez or go with a smaller lineup featuring 6'9" forward John Collins.

Why it matters

The Clippers are in a tight race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, and their ability to rebound and defend the paint will be crucial down the stretch. Lue's choices on how to manage the frontcourt could have a major impact on the team's postseason hopes.

The details

In Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Lopez played 36 minutes and was visibly fatigued by the end, while the smaller lineup featuring Collins was unable to match Portland's size and physicality on the boards. The Clippers now face another tough test on Thursday against the surging San Antonio Spurs and 7'4" rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.

  • Rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhauser is out for the season after having foot surgery.
  • Backup center Isaiah Jackson is out for the time being because of a right ankle sprain.

The players

Tyronn Lue

Head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers who is tasked with managing the team's frontcourt rotation amid injuries.

Brook Lopez

38-year-old veteran center for the Clippers who has been forced to play heavy minutes with the team's other big men sidelined.

John Collins

6'9" forward for the Clippers who has been part of the team's smaller lineup as an alternative to the traditional center position.

Deni Avdija

Trail Blazers forward who had a big game against the Clippers, scoring 28 points with 11 rebounds and 8 assists.

Jrue Holiday

Trail Blazers guard who led the team with 30 points in their win over the Clippers.

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What they’re saying

“It's definitely concerning having to play him 36 minutes tonight, but Brook's one of those types of guys that whatever we need, he's willing to do.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

“There's always room for improvement. (Tuesday night), the emphasis on the rebounds could have been a little better, but it's really just a chemistry thing. Trying to get new groups of guys to play together again later in the season can be tough and just got to battle through.”

— John Collins, Forward, Los Angeles Clippers

What’s next

The Clippers will host the red-hot San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, who feature 7'4" rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, the league's leading rebounder and shot-blocker. Lue will need to find a way to counter the Spurs' size and interior presence.

The takeaway

The Clippers' ability to navigate their frontcourt injuries and find the right lineup combinations will be crucial as they fight for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Lue's coaching decisions in managing veteran Brook Lopez and the team's smaller lineups could make or break their postseason hopes.