How Clippers vs. Suns schedule could impact Los Angeles: Why Paul George is not happy with game dates

As some teams have quickly learned, availability (or lack thereof) can be a huge factor in the outcome of NBA Playoff games.

The Grizzlies, who were already missing Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, lost Game 1 after Ja Morant suffered a hand injury. Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a back injury in the Bucks' series opener against the Heat, who saw Tyler Herro depart with a broken hand.

The Clippers were dealing with an injury problem before the postseason even began. Paul George suffered a knee injury in late March, potentially knocking him out for the entirety of Los Angeles' first-round series against Phoenix.

While Kawhi Leonard and his teammates managed to secure a split through the first two games of the matchup, the Clippers' playoff schedule and health issues could ultimately swing the series.

MORE: Full schedule and updated scores for Suns vs. Clippers

How Clippers vs. Suns schedule could impact Los Angeles

On a recent episode of his podcast, George ripped the NBA for giving the Clippers and Suns limited rest time early in their series. Los Angeles and Phoenix are the only teams without a two-day break in between Games 1, 2, 3 and 4.

"It's bulls—," George said. "The league's been f—ing us up for a while. ... We've just had years of tough schedules. With all of it, I think if we can just look at it like, 'Let's f—ing take care of business. We'll get the most rest out of this.'

"Get ready, hopefully see where I'm at, maybe I'm good? And yeah, we keep it going, but that is tough for us."

One thing I'm really not understanding is why the NBA scheduled Clippers/Suns to play the afternoon Game 4, 38 hours after their Game 3 when Lakers/Grizzlies play later that night after having 2 days off. https://t.co/QRJCniTcYL

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 12, 2023

That setup not only shrinks George's hopes of returning during the first round, but also presents potential hurdles for Kawhi Leonard.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP played in just 52 of 82 regular season games as the team monitored his recovery from a torn ACL. He won't have to worry about back-to-back contests in the playoffs, but with George still sidelined, the Clippers will need Leonard to consistently be the best player on the floor.

Can his body hold up against the Suns?

Clippers vs. Suns schedule, TV channels

Here is the complete schedule for the first-round series between Los Angeles and Phoenix:

*If necessary