Los Angeles Clippers: J.J. Redick expected to start tonight vs Mavericks

Jan 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard J.J. Redick (4) reacts after making a basket and getting fouled in the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard J.J. Redick has missed his team’s last 25 games due to a bulging disk in his back. Tonight, against the Dallas Mavericks, the 29-year-old guard is expected to return to the Clippers starting lineup.

At least, according to ESPN’s Arash Markazi, that’s the plan.

"Rivers said there was a “75 percent” chance Redick would return Thursday and multiple team sources said the plan was for Redick to start against Dallas."

Redick was averaging a career-high 15.7 points on nearly 40 percent shooting from three prior to his back injury. Thursday night’s game between the Mavs and Clippers provides a crucial matchup for both teams, as the playoffs approach.

Los Angeles is looking to maintain a four-game lead over the Houston Rockets for the No. 3 seed, while the Mavericks are simply trying to hold onto their playoff spot, and are currently tied with the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies.

At the moment, the Mavs hold the No. 7 seed due to tiebreakers.