The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to play their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns without Paul George. George suffered a knee injury in March, and despite initial predictions of a 2-3 week recovery, he has not progressed enough in rehabilitation to play in the playoffs, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

George is an eight-time All-Star, and his absence presents a significant disadvantage for the Clippers, who will be going up against a formidable Suns team. Since adding Kevin Durant to the lineup, Phoenix has been on an 8-0 run, and now finds themselves among the championship favorites as the No. 4 seed in the West. Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton have all become essential in a Suns team that has thrived with Kevin Durant on board.

Without George, The Clippers will rely on Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris and Ivica Zubac to pick up the slack, making a first-round win against the Suns seem unlikely. Leonard and George are one of the most dangerous tandems in basketball when healthy, and the Suns will have breathed a sigh of relief knowing that the Clippers will be without George.