LA Clippers guard Patrick Beverley had his status upgraded to "questionable" ahead of Game 6.
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00:00 It's looking more and more likely that the other Clippers will get one of the most important players back for game six of their first
00:06 round series with the Dallas Mavericks. Patrick Beverly, who hasn't played in this series since game one,
00:11 officially had his status upgraded from doubtful to questionable on Saturday afternoon,
00:15 signaling that he could make his long-awaited return on Sunday.
00:19 LA has gone 2-2 in his absence this series, finding the most success starting Landry Schamett in his place.
00:26 The young sharpshooter is averaging 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and just under an assist per game,
00:31 while making 52% of his looks from the field and 50% from three-point range.
00:36 The Clippers have certainly benefited from his progression on the offensive end of the floor in this series,
00:41 but hardly any other player on the roster is able to replicate what Beverly does for the team on defense.
00:46 Not only can he defend multiple positions and hound just about any ball handler there is,
00:51 but Beverly serves the team's main communicator on the defensive end of the floor, calling out switches and directing all kinds of matchups.
00:57 LA's defense has been pretty subpar without him in the rotation of this series,
01:01 so getting Beverly back would be a huge add, especially if LA could progress to the second round of the playoffs.
01:07 As essential as Beverly is to this team, LA is proven he doesn't need him to succeed against Dallas.
01:12 However, as the Clippers get deeper into the postseason, he'll become more and more vital to the team's success.
01:18 If Beverly is able to go tomorrow, I wouldn't expect him to get the start right away.
01:21 LA has shown a willingness, not willingness, but an urgency to be cautious with Beverly's health and closely monitor his minutes,
01:29 so it might make more sense for him to come off the bench in Game 6.
01:33 That said, if this series does end up going to Game 7, Beverly will probably be out there for tip-off.
01:38 So the other Clippers and Dallas Maddox hit the floor for Game 6 on Sunday, August 30th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
01:45 That game will air on ESPN and Fox Sports Prime Ticket.