Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins is facing a head injury concern that may impact his availability in the ongoing game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, February 20. During the second quarter, with just 18.6 seconds remaining, Collins attempted an alley-oop but was undercut by Lakers player Jaxson Hayes, resulting in a hard fall where he hit his head on the court.
As a result of this incident, Collins was substituted out for Kawhi Leonard and taken to the locker room for evaluation. Although he did not attempt the subsequent free throws, the team’s medical staff is assessing his condition closely, and he remains a candidate to return if he passes the necessary concussion protocols.
Prior to his exit from the game, Collins had made a positive contribution, scoring 12 points along with a rebound and a steal in just 16 minutes of play. If he is unable to return, it is expected that Nicolas Batum will see increased playing time and be the primary beneficiary of Collins’ absence.
In related news from the Clippers, Bennedict Mathurin was chosen as the free throw shooter after Collins was taken out, demonstrating the team’s strategy in managing player situations during games. The situation surrounding Collins highlights the ongoing need for careful monitoring of player health, especially in light of increasing awareness around head injuries in sports. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a quick and safe recovery for Collins.