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Clippers Announce John Collins Injury Update Before Bucks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Hudson | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 5:26 PM ET

As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare for their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, they have turned their season around after a poor start that placed them among the bottom teams in the Western Conference.

Behind strong play from Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have climbed back into playoff contention and currently sit as the No. 8 seed, five games behind the Phoenix Suns for the No. 7 spot.

Much of their improvement has come from the trade deadline, acquiring Bennedict Mathurin and Darius Garland, who have provided a boost in scoring and playmaking. Additional contributions from forward John Collins have also been important.

However, injuries remain a concern. Collins, who has dealt with issues throughout the season, has been downgraded from probable to questionable with a left ankle sprain (h/t Joey Linn)

John Collins has been downgraded from probable to questionable tonight with his left ankle sprain.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 23, 2026

The Clippers would feel Collins’ absence on both ends of the floor, particularly in scoring efficiency and frontcourt versatility. Across 59 games, forward John Collins has averaged 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 55.4% from the field and 40.5% from three-point range. His athleticism and efficiency make him a reliable spot-up shooter and a constant threat as a rim runner.

He excels at attacking mismatches, finishing in pick-and-roll situations, and generating second-chance points through offensive rebounding. Without him, the Clippers lose a consistent scoring option and high-energy presence in the paint.

His absence would likely lead to increased playing time for Derrick Jones Jr. and Jordan Miller, who can provide depth at forward but may not replicate Collins’ production. Overall, the team would need to adjust its offensive flow and defensive rotations to compensate for the loss.

LA Clippers head coach Tyrone Lue looks on in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. © Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

A former Wake Forest standout, Collins was selected with the No. 19 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and quickly earned All-Rookie honors in the 2017-18 season. Since entering the league, he has developed into a dependable, role-playing forward known for his efficiency and athleticism.

He began his career with the Atlanta Hawks before moving to the Utah Jazz and eventually landing with the Clippers. His experience across multiple systems has helped shape his versatility and consistency in the frontcourt.

He is currently on a five-year, $125 million contract originally signed with Atlanta in 2021 and remains under contract through the 2025-26 NBA season after exercising his $26.6 million player option. His long-term deal provides stability for the Clippers while solidifying his role as a reliable contributor.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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