JUNE 27: Leonard has officially been ruled out for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, Mark Medina of USA Today tweets. Leonard will remain in Los Angeles to continue his knee rehabilitation.
JUNE 26: Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard hasn’t played yet in the Western Conference finals and it doesn’t appear he’ll return for Game 5 on Monday. Sources tell Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that it’s “highly unlikely” Leonard will make the trip to Phoenix (video link).
Leonard is recovering from a right knee injury that he suffered June 14 against Utah. He didn’t accompany the Clippers for the opening two games of the series with the Suns, and there are concerns that air travel would be harmful to the knee, according to Haynes.
Speaking to reporters today, coach Tyronn Lue said that Leonard, who has been ruled out of tonight’s Game 4, continues to offer advice to his teammates and has been “a lot more vocal” since the injury, tweets Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
The news is better for Clippers teammate Marcus Morris, who has been cleared to play tonight, Youngmisuk adds (via Twitter). Morris, who is also dealing with a knee issue, was a game-time decision on Thursday.
If Game 5 highly unlikely, Game 6 would be doubtful
Not doubtful, impossible since this is a best of seven series…
Guy is soft.
I’m just here looking for a fork because Kawhi is done for the playoffs.
Cringey comment
I’m reading that Kawhi is not happy with the clips and is done with LAC per Skip Bayless. I’m not sure how true that is…
Theory is starting to make more sense every game.. I was thinking he’d stay past this season, but watching him watch the game from the box while the team isn’t announcing a tear? It does look like he’s trying to protect his value rn
Skip Bayless is a bum but I seriously doubt we’ll ever see Kawhi ever play thru another injury.
I mean…if Phoenix can’t beat the clippers who are 100% dependent on “playoff P” at this point…..
He’s out for the rest of the season and that’s the bottom line!!!!
So, for one more game you mean?
Still?! Alright. 3….2…1…
What a p…
They would know if it was an ACL already!!!
Yo Wally, how bout your boy Chris Paul leading PHX to the finals, beating two LA teams and league MVP on his way? That contract doesn’t look so bad now?
Don’t like how they’ve handled the news of Kawhi. Don’t get the point of all this secrecy. Just get healthy.
Clippers are done. I was kind of looking forward to Ayton vs Embiid. Ayton has really played well these playoffs. So consistent on O and D. Giannis going to middle against Suns ain’t happening. That could be the difference in the series. Bucks better stay focused.
Saw game: Boring, defensive. Refs are letting Clips unlimited hand-check & reach in. Or, a veteran team knows just what they can get away with. 3-1
There is a problem with the defender swiping the ball towards the ball-handler so it goes out. In slo-mo replay, the ball will always appear to come off the ballhandler not the attacker, so the traditional call will get reversed.
There is too much slapcrap anyway; defenders shouldering into the dribbler. I thought shoulder contact was a foul.
Defender? This is the NBA there are no defenders. The only defense is the rim when you miss a shot.
Word!
Try watchin’ a game, it will surprise you!
“there are concerns that air travel would be harmful to the knee” cmon man, it’s a 6 hour drive. Never seen someone so talented at their job but want absolutely nothing to do with it
Kawhi is hurt. Don’t get why they are hiding it. He’s a FA too, can opt out. Which is crazy if he needs surgery. But it worked for KD. Must be nice getting 40 mill to sit out yr and recuperate.
Looks like Kawhi is upset with the clippers trainers, imagine that