While he will officially be listed as questionable, it certainly sounds as though the Clippers are preparing to play without Kawhi Leonard for Sunday’s Game 1 against the Mavericks.
When asked about Leonard’s status, Paul George said, “I do think at some point he will be with us” (Twitter link via ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk).
Head coach Tyronn Lue was noncommittal about Leonard’s availability tomorrow, according to Tomer Azarly of Clutch Points (Twitter links). The star forward will be a partial practice participant on Saturday, but he’ll be limited to non-contact work.
“We don’t know yet,” Lue said. “But we gotta prepare both ways.”
“He shot yesterday, he was on the floor,” Lue added, per Youngmisuk (Twitter link) “Today, he will be able to shoot more with a little bit more movement.”
Leonard has been battling right knee inflammation for about three weeks, with his last appearance coming March 31. He reportedly received some type of injection in his knee at the beginning of April, presumably to promote healing.
Leonard, who signed a three-year extension with the Clips earlier this season, made 68 appearances in 2023/24, which is the most games he has played in seven years. The fact that he’s injured again with the playoffs about to start is obviously unfortunate, as the 32-year-old and teammate George have battled postseason injuries throughout their tenures with L.A.
George, 33, could be a free agent this summer if he declines his player option. Regarding a possible extension, George said, “That’s not where my mind is at right now,” tweets Justin Russo.
When asked if negotiations were being shelved until the postseason concludes, George essentially shut down the question, Russo adds (via Twitter).
What else is new? Poor guy played 60+ games this year, of course his glass legs would break down.
Shame, but no surprise he won’t be able to last the whole playoffs.
Exactly why he is content on the Clippers. Nobody cares when they flame out in the playoffs
And the clowns running the Olympic team think it’s wise to have Kawhi on the team over a healthy young player like Brunson.
And Embiid not making the team after the play he just did. Great T-Mac play but that knee is toast.
As great a player as he is when on the floor, he needs to be on the floor in order for his payout to make sense. That extension is going to bite them in the long run.
The Clippers bet on too often injured superstars has been a failure time to move on.