Clippers’ Patrick Beverley is close to returning to the lineup

Earlier this week, Clippers guard Patrick Beverley surprised teammates by joining them in Phoenix.

He had spent the previous days in Los Angeles rehabilitating his left hand, which was fractured April 8, but wanted to show up at the tail end of a three-game trip, even if it meant watching on the sideline, a brace protecting his hand.

Within the coming days, Beverley could appear in the lineup. Kawhi Leonard will play Saturday night against Denver in his second game since being sidelined April 8 by a sore right foot.

“If he keeps progressing the way he is, we should be able to see him in the next couple games, hopefully,� Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of Beverley before Saturday’s game, the 12th consecutive one Beverley has missed. A right knee injury suffered March 14 also contributed to Beverley missing 24 of the last 26 games.

When Beverley fractured the fourth metacarpal on his left hand, an injury that required surgery, the team announced he would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks. He recently passed the three-week mark.

The Clippers are 21-10 this season when Beverley starts. The three-time member of the all-defensive team is averaging 8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting a career-high 41.6% on three-pointers.

Also unavailable is center Serge Ibaka, whom Lue described as still progressing from a back injury that has sidelined him since March 14.