The president of the Clippers basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, confirmed that George has entered the health and safety protocols of the league. This is a major blow to the Clippers, who are losing their star guard – again – as they try to reach No. 8 in the Western Conference playoffs in the knockout round against the Pelicans. The winner advances to a first-round match against the Phoenix Suns at the top. Frank said George did not feel well on Thursday and was tested. “This is another challenge for our group,” Frank told the team’s shootaround. “The team faced challenges all year. We had kids inside and outside the squad and we faced overcoming big deficits and yet this team always responded. A very resilient team. We have great faith and a talented and deep roster and I have a great coach in Tai Lou “. Asked if other Clippers players needed to be tested and if George would be sidelined for a period of time, Frank said the team is following the NBA example in terms of health and safety protocols. “This is a challenge, but it was just a series of challenges and it may fit the fact that this is a situation where all these repetitions and experiences that the team had, were in those moments many times before this year.” George lost 51 games earlier this season. He was left out for three months with a torn ulnar lateral ligament in his right elbow. He returned for five regular season games and the Clippers have won six of their last seven games with a healthy George in the lineup. He averaged 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists this season. He had 34 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the team’s 109-104 loss to Minnesota in the play-in game for seventh place on Tuesday. The Clippers will again be without both of their stars. Kawhi Leonard stays out as he restores a torn ACL and has not played a single minute this season. Frank said there was still no timetable for Leonard’s return.