Clippers' Griffin set for surgery, out indefinitely

Reuters
Feb 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin will undergo surgery for a staph infection on his right elbow and will be sidelined indefinitely, the National Basketball Association team announced on Sunday. Griffin will have the surgery on Monday and will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, a major blow to the Clippers. “They’re not even sure what antibiotics you give him yet. It could be a while,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters. Portland guard Damian Lillard has been named as Griffin's replacement in the All-Star Game next Sunday in New York. Griffin is the Clippers’ leading scorer with 22.5 points per game and also averages 7.5 rebounds and a career-high 5.1 assists. The five-time All-Star's absence from the Clippers (33-19) will bring uncertainty to a team that has lost four straight games and is fighting for a playoff position in the tough Western Conference. (Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles, editing by Gene Cherry)