Clippers' John Collins Suffers Concerning Neck Injury

The forward will miss Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to a neck strain.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:35am

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Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins will miss Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers due to a neck strain. Collins initially suffered a neck injury in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 1st, and he aggravated the injury in that same game. This will be the fourth time in the last five games that Collins has been sidelined due to the neck issue.

Why it matters

The Clippers are in the midst of a playoff push, and losing Collins, who has been a key contributor this season, is a significant blow. The team will need to find a way to fill the void left by Collins' absence as they look to secure a postseason berth.

The details

Collins first suffered the neck injury on January 20th when he landed hard on the left side of his head after being undercut by Jaxson Hayes of the Lakers. He missed the next three games due to a head laceration and neck soreness. Collins returned to action on March 1st against the Pelicans, but re-aggravated the injury on a drive to the basket, immediately grabbing at his right arm and favoring the left side of his neck. The Clippers have now ruled him out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers with a neck strain.

  • On January 20th, Collins suffered a neck injury after a dangerous landing against the Lakers.
  • Collins missed the next three games due to the head laceration and neck soreness.
  • Collins returned to action on March 1st against the Pelicans.
  • On March 1st, Collins re-aggravated the neck injury and was forced to leave the game.
  • The Clippers have ruled Collins out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

The players

John Collins

A forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who has been dealing with a nagging neck injury over the past month.

Jaxson Hayes

A player for the New Orleans Pelicans who was involved in the incident that initially caused Collins' neck injury.

Los Angeles Clippers

An NBA team that is currently in the midst of a playoff push and will be without a key contributor in John Collins due to his neck injury.

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What they’re saying

“These are the two neck injuries John Collins has suffered in a 10-day span: – 1/20/26 — lands hard on left side of head, avoids concussion, but suffers head laceration + neck soreness. – 3/1/26 — in first game back, hits same left side head/neck on drive and immediately grabs at…”

— Tomer Azarly, Reporter

What’s next

The Clippers will need to monitor Collins' progress and determine when he can safely return to the lineup. They have a home game on Wednesday against the Pacers, followed by a two-game road trip against the Spurs and Grizzlies.

The takeaway

The Clippers' playoff hopes have taken a hit with the latest injury to John Collins. The team will need to find a way to fill the void left by his absence, as they look to secure a postseason berth in a competitive Western Conference.