LA Clippers guard Patrick Beverley had his status upgraded to "questionable" ahead of Game 6.
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00:00It'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
00:06round series with the Dallas Mavericks.
00:08Patrick Beverley, who hasn't played in this series since game one, officially had his status upgraded from doubtful to questionable on Saturday afternoon,
00:16signaling that he could make his long-awaited return on Sunday.
00:19L.A. has gone 2-2 in his absence this series, finding the most success starting Landry Schammett in his place.
00:26The young sharpshooter is averaging 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and just under an assist per game,
00:32while making 52% of his looks from the field and 50% from three-point range.
00:36The Clippers have certainly benefited from his production on the offensive end of the floor in this series,
00:41but hardly any other player on the roster is able to replicate what Beverley does for the team on defense.
00:46Not only can he defend multiple positions and hound just about any ball handler there is,
00:51but Beverley serves the team's main communicator on the defensive end of the floor, calling out switches and directing all kinds of matchups.
00:58L.A.'s defense has been pretty subpar without him in the rotation of this series,
01:01so getting Beverley back would be a huge add,
01:05especially if L.A. could progress to the second round of the playoffs. As
01:08essential as Beverley is to this team, L.A. has proven it doesn't get him to succeed against Dallas.
01:12However, as the Clippers get deeper into the postseason, he'll become more and more vital to the team's success.
01:18If Beverley is able to go tomorrow, I wouldn't expect him to get the start right away. L.A. has shown a willingness,
01:24not willingness, but an urgency to be cautious with Beverley's health and closely monitor his minutes,
01:29so it might make more sense for him to come off the bench in Game 6.
01:33That said, if this series does end up going to Game 7, Beverley will probably be out there for tip-off.
01:39So the other Clippers and Dallas Maddox hit the floor for Game 6 on Sunday, August 30th at 3.30 p.m. Eastern Time.
01:45That game will air on ESPN and Fox Sports Prime Ticket.