Miami Heat chez LA Clippers

This is a tough blow for the point guard who was penciled in as the top backup behind Davion Mitchell. If he indeed misses a couple weeks, he could be back in time for their final preseason contest Oct. 16.

This is a tough blow for Johnson as it rules him out for the entire preseason. The forward is on a two-way contract and is expected to feature for Miami's G League affiliate.

It's a tough break for Miller, who had an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during training camp in the fall. The timeline for a return is likely to keep him on the shelf until after the All-Star break. Miller's extended stay on the sidelines gives Kobe Sanders a chance to crack the Clippers' rotation.

The Clippers learned about the injury this summer, though it's unclear exactly how far along Ingram is in his recovery. The star forward's timeline for a return is unclear, clouding his fantasy outlook in the meantime. Darius Garland should take on all the usage he can handle in Ingram's stead, while Kris Dunn and Max Strus could have additional streaming appeal early in the year.

Niederhauser is progressing from March surgery but won't be able to suit up to begin the year. The Clippers are likely to take a cautious approach with the 2025 first-rounder. Isaiah Jackson should occupy the backup center spot behind Brook Lopez early in the campaign.

It's unclear when Sanders began dealing with the hip issue, though it'll keep him out of the Clippers' preseason opener. He will also be limited to individual work during Saturday's practice, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com. Sanders' next opportunity to suit up during the preseason will come next Saturday against the Raptors.

While Beal has recovered from hip surgery that cost him nearly all of last year, he's now dealing with knee inflammation. His status is in doubt for the preseason opener Sunday against the Warriors, but the veteran swingman's regular-season status doesn't sound to be in serious danger for now.