LA Clippers' Paul George tests positive for COVID-19, to miss play-in game vs. New Orleans Pelicans

PLAYA VISTA, Calif. — LA Clippers star Paul George has tested positive for COVID-19, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim Bontemps, and will miss the Friday night play-in game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank confirmed that George has entered the league's health and safety protocols.

This is a significant blow to the Clippers, who lose their star guard — again — as they try to clinch the No. 8 seed for the Western Conference playoffs in the elimination game vs. the Pelicans. The winner advances to a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns.

Frank said George did not feel well Thursday and underwent testing.

«This is another challenge for our group,» Frank said at the team shootaround. «The group has dealt with challenges all year. We've had guys in and out of the lineup and dealt with overcoming large deficits and yet this group has always responded. A very resilient group. We have a great deal of faith and a talented and deep roster and have a great coach in Ty Lue.»

When asked whether other Clippers players had to test and if George will be out for a certain period of time, Frank said the team is following the NBA's lead when it comes to health and safety protocols.

«This is a challenge but it has just been a series of challenges and may be fitting that this is a situation where all those reps and experiences that the group has had, they have been in these moments many many times before this year.»

George missed 51 games earlier this season. He was out for three months with a torn ulnar collateral 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