Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will miss out on the opening game of the playoffs series against the Dallas Mavericks. On Sunday Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi Leonard was doubtful of the match but before the start of the game, he was listed in the injury report list by the team. Due to right knee inflammation, he is not available for Game 1. Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed this news just two hours before the game.
According to AP News Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd stated on Kawhi Leonard's injury that, “We prepared as if he was going to play,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “Now with him out, the matchups change a little bit.”
He has been practicing some shooting for the last few days but he hasn’t been involved in contact practices. As per AP News Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue stated, “He’s progressing.” “Just taking it day-by-day.”
They're playing Dallas for the third time in five years. The Clippers defeated Dallas in six games on the bubble in 2020 and won Game 7 at home in 2021.
Kawhi Leonard availability for the next game is not yet clear
Dallas Mavericks won 25 games and 16 lost on the road this season. The fourth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers won 4 games and lost 4 games without Leonard in their last eight games, including victories over playoff opponents Cleveland (after trailing by 26 points), Denver, and Phoenix.
In the current NBA season, 2023/24 Kawhi Leonard played 68 games he had an excellent regular season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from three in 68 games.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers haven’t announced who will replace him in the playoffs. Kawhi Leonard will miss his ninth game this season. While Game 2 will take place on Tuesday his availability for the next game is not yet clear. He last played against the Charlotte Hornets on March 31st