Norman Powell needed to be back—badly for the Clippers. The high-scoring guard returning from five straight games missed due to left knee patellar tendinopathy was set to suit up to face the Lakers.

But just as Clippers fans thought they had their guy back, disaster struck.

Powell’s night was over before it even started. He played just a few minutes before exiting in the first quarter with right hamstring soreness—and just like that, he was done for the night. For a Clippers squad already struggling to find any sort of consistency, this was the last thing they needed.

This season, Powell has been nothing short of incredible for LA. He’s been one of their most reliable scorers, averaging 23.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Shooting 49.4% from the field and 42.4% from three, per Statmuse, he’s been an absolute weapon on offense—the kind of player every team needs.

The Clippers were hoping his return would help them regain some momentum after losing four of their last five games. Instead, his early exit left them scrambling yet again. Powell’s ability to get buckets, his veteran leadership, and his knack for stepping up in big moments have been game-changers for the Clippers this year. Without him, they’ve struggled to find their rhythm offensively.

And the timing couldn’t be worse. With the Western Conference playoff race getting tighter, every single game matters. Powell was even being mentioned as a Most Improved Player candidate thanks to his career-best numbers. Now? His availability for the next few weeks is up in the air.

The Clippers’ Struggles Without Powell

Let’s be real—Powell’s absence has been killing the Clippers.

Before this Lakers matchup, he missed five straight games—and the Clippers lost four of them. Without him, the offense has felt incomplete, with Kawhi Leonard forced to carry an even heavier load. The team has tried to plug the hole with different role players, but nobody brings Powell’s efficiency and scoring punch.

Meanwhile, the other LA team has been on fire, winning six of their last eight games since trading for Luka Doncic. Their defense has tightened up, improving from a 115.1 defensive rating before Doncic’s arrival to 109.5 since. And with LeBron James still playing at an elite level at 40, the Lakers are only getting scarier.

For the Clippers, staying in the playoff mix means they cannot afford to lose key guys like Powell for long. Their depth is already a concern, and if this hamstring issue lingers, it could completely derail their postseason hopes.

Right now, it’s unclear how serious Powell’s hamstring injury is. The Clippers’ medical team will do more tests, but soft tissue injuries? Unpredictable. A minor strain might keep him out for a few games. A worse case? He could be sidelined for weeks.

If Powell is out for too long, can they stay afloat in the brutal Western Conference playoff race? Do let us know your thoughts.