Clippers’ Derrick Jones Jr. out 6 weeks due to sprained right MCL

LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. injured his right knee in the second quarter of Sunday’s road loss against the Boston Celtics and was diagnosed with a sprained MCL on Monday.

Jones, who started the first 13 games of the season for the Clippers, will be re-evaluated in six weeks. It’s an injury that is anticipated to cost the 28-year-old at least 18 games.

Jones is averaging a career-high 10.5 points, putting him on pace for a double-digit scoring average for the second consecutive season. Over his first eight NBA seasons, he averaged 6.7 points over 420 appearances (163 starts). His 53.3 percent shooting this season trails only starting center Ivica Zubac (62.9 percent) for the Clippers’ team lead (min. 10 shot attempts).

The Clippers have already been decimated by injury four weeks into the season. Star forward Kawhi Leonard has missed the last two weeks with an ankle sprain and foot sprain, and the Clippers are 1-6 without him. Leonard is progressing from his ankle and foot sprains, and is on the trip with the Clippers as he ramps up towards a return, but he is not certain to play before the Clippers return to California after the weekend.

Shooting guard Bradley Beal lasted six games before suffering a season-ending left hip fracture. Jones’ injury now leaves the NBA’s oldest team with just two healthy veterans under 30 years old — Zubac and starting power forward John Collins.

When asked where the Clippers expect to miss Jones most, he wasn’t shy about praising the forward’s value.

“Everywhere,” Lue said on Monday. “I just think his athleticism, running the floor, being able to advance, attack in transition. Defensively, one of the best point of attack defenders in the league. Tough news today. But we’ll be with him every step of the way.”