Los Angeles Clippers to open season without veteran center Serge Ibaka

PLAYA VISTA, Calif. -- Los Angeles Clippers center Serge Ibaka (back) won't be available to play in the team's season opener Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, coach Tyronn Lue said after practice Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Ibaka recently progressed to full 5-on-5 drills during practice, but has been limited since undergoing back surgery in June. Last season was Ibaka's first with the Clippers, but it ended early because of a back injury. Ibaka averaged 11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 23.3 minutes across 41 games.

Lue added that forward Marcus Morris Sr., who suffered a right knee injury in the playoffs last season, would be available to play Thursday when the Clippers face the Warriors in San Francisco.