Clippers assign Griffin to G League for rehab, reportedly could return Friday

Blake Griffin is nearing the final steps toward his return to the Los Angeles Clippers, as the team assigned the power forward to its G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers, according to Arash Markazi of ESPN.

Griffin will practice with the G League side and is reportedly expected to return Friday to Los Angeles to face the Lakers.

Griffin's assignment to the G League falls in line with reports Tuesday that suggested he was four weeks ahead of his recovery schedule and eyeing an NBA return before the end of the year. Griffin was initially expected to miss up to eight weeks after tweaking his knee against the Lakers on Nov. 27, bringing his initial return date toward late January.

In 19 games this season, Griffin is averaging 23.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.