LA Clippers forward Serge Ibaka is out with back soreness for Friday night's pivotal Game 3 against the Mavericks in Dallas, coach Ty Lue said before the game.
Ibaka, 31, was a key offseason acquisition for the Clippers but has been limited this season because of back issues. He missed 30 straight games before returning for the last two of the regular season.
He played just six minutes in Game 2 and was slated to be a game-time decision after experiencing painful back spasms on Thursday morning, according to Lue.
Ibaka signed a two-year, $19 million deal with a player option in the second year this past offseason.
The Clippers enter Friday's game down 2-0 in the series.
