Del Negro 'Optimistic' Eric Gordon Will Return This Season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Los Angeles Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro is "optimistic" top scorer Eric Gordon will return this season after he aggravated a right wrist injury over the weekend  that will keep him out indefinitely.

Del Negro said before Monday's game against Charlotte to open an East Coast swing that Gordon will likely remain in Los Angeles for the duration of the five-game trip.

Del Negro says how soon he'll return will depend on how he responds to therapy.

Gordon was in his second game back after missing 18 with a sprained wrist that included a small fracture when he was hurt again in the second quarter Saturday after a hard foul by Denver's Timofey Mozgov.

Gordon is averaging 23.7 points. Randy Foye replaced him at shooting guard against the Bobcats.

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