The LA Clippers are eagerly anticipating the return of their starting forward, John Collins, who has been sidelined for the last seven games due to a neck strain. Collins' absence has been felt keenly, especially after he sustained two neck-related injuries in quick succession, the first being a head laceration and neck soreness from a fall against the Lakers.
These are the two neck injuries John Collins has suffered in a 10-day span:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 4, 2026
- 1/20/26 — lands hard on left side of head, avoids concussion, but suffers head laceration + neck soreness.
- 3/1/26 — in first game back, hits same left side head/neck on drive and immediately grabs at… https://t.co/3Aj6WFgQH5 pic.twitter.com/rwzmpnkP32
Collins recently participated in a scrimmage, showing promising signs of recovery. “I feel good, just trying to get back right,” he shared, underscoring his determination to return to form. The Clippers are keen to ensure he's fully ready, planning more "stay ready" games to evaluate his progress.
“Yeah, I'm back in the stay ready games, I'm feeling better," Collins remarked, reflecting on the challenges of his injuries. He remains optimistic, focusing on the positives and his path to recovery.
Since stepping into the starting lineup on November 25th, Collins has been a significant contributor, averaging 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, with impressive shooting percentages of 60.1% from the field and 46.5% from beyond the arc.
The Clippers have felt Collins’ absence, especially in rebounding, following the trade that sent Ivica Zubac away and brought in Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson. Collins’ rebounding prowess has been missed, particularly after losing rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
Head coach Ty Lue highlighted Collins' impact: “His ability to rebound the basketball, the offensive rebounds, and then to slow the game down, somebody we can kind of post, go to in the mid-post area to slow the game down. He's been really good with that, so we kind of miss that.
And like I said, miss his energy. His energy on the floor is really good.”
Collins has been pivotal in the Clippers’ offense since their rocky 6-21 start, averaging 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 block per game, while shooting an astounding 63.6% from the field and 54.9% from three-point range. His return is eagerly awaited as the Clippers look to regain their momentum.