Clippers' Brandon Ingram to miss start of season after surgery

Brandon Ingram, the Clippers' starting forward who posted 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field in 77 games last season, will miss the beginning of the 2026‑27 campaign. He is listed as out after undergoing surgery on a right heel injury and a partially torn Achilles tendon, with an expected return date of November 1, 2026. His absence removes a primary scoring option and a veteran presence from the lineup as the team prepares for its opening games.

Los Angeles sits at 42‑40, ninth in the Western Conference and ranked 16th in overall power, coming off a one‑game winning streak and a 6‑4 record in its last ten contests, with a net rating of +1.1. The Clippers recently completed the delayed trade for Kawhi Leonard, a move that was intended to accelerate their return to contention. Without Ingram for the early stretch, the club will need to rely on other contributors to maintain its modest momentum while monitoring his rehabilitation progress.