LAS VEGAS — Blake Griffin experienced “discomfort” and “swelling” in his left knee after going through Team USA practice, and he will miss the national team’s first exhibition game tonight against the Dominican Republic.
No. 1 overall draft pick Anthony Davis will be rejoining the team tonight, and he will be in uniform against the Dominicans. Jeff Zilgitt of USA Today reported that Davis may actually start for the Americans.
Griffin, meanwhile, flew to Los Angeles for an MRI. The knee is the same one he injured during the NBA playoffs.
In a statement, the Clippers said Griffin will be examined Sunday by Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Southern California.
“An announcement concerning their joint conclusion and a further course of action will be made available by the Clippers, as soon as possible after that,” the statement said.
If Griffin is unable to play in the London Olympics, the Americans will have no additional big men to call upon. Their remaining two alternates are Rudy Gay and Eric Gordon, both wing players.
In order to be eligible for the Olympics, players need to have entered the IOC drug-testing program earlier this year. Anyone who did not enter that program when it began is ineligible for Olympic competition.
Team USA camp will move to Washington D.C. beginning Saturday. The Americans’ second exhibition game is Monday night against Brazil before the team flies to England.