Shams: 'Optimism' Clippers' Kawhi Leonard Plays vs. Mavs After Injection for Injury
April 18, 2024
Things appear to be looking up for the Los Angeles Clippers.
There is "cautious optimism" that Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will suit up for Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday after receiving an injection in his knee to help alleviate inflammation, per The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania (22:30 mark).
Shams Charania @ShamsCharaniaThe latest on Clippers star Kawhi Leonard's ramp up process as he aims to return this weekend vs. Mavericks — live on <a href="https://twitter.com/Stadium?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Stadium</a> Playoff Preview show: <a href="https://t.co/UtCsaeL3G1">https://t.co/UtCsaeL3G1</a>
L.A. intends to list him as questionable for the matchup:
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineThe Clippers intend to list Kawhi Leonard (right knee inflammation) as questionable for Sunday's Game 1 against Dallas, per president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank below: <br><br>More NBA from me: <a href="https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq">https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq</a> <a href="https://t.co/blimiNA7uC">https://t.co/blimiNA7uC</a>
This has been Leonard's healthiest season since his first year with the club in 2019-20, though he hasn't played since March 31 due to a knee ailment.
The Clippers announced Leonard would miss their April 2 game against the Sacramento Kings with soreness in his right knee. Head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters the issue began during their March 31 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Justin Russo @FlyByKniteKawhi Leonard had the right knee soreness creep up after last game in Charlotte and is not with the team in Sacramento tonight after going back to Los Angeles to get it worked on.<br><br>Tyronn Lue's full update on Kawhi Leonard: <a href="https://t.co/Nb4mTSZyby">https://t.co/Nb4mTSZyby</a> <a href="https://t.co/ApjYfhUfx3">pic.twitter.com/ApjYfhUfx3</a>
This was the first game Leonard missed since March 10 and just the second time he sat out since the All-Star break.
Leonard missed the final eight playoff games in 2021 and the entire 2021-22 season due to a torn ACL. A torn meniscus kept him out of the final three games of the Clippers' first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns last year.
They need him to be at the top of his game if they want to have a shot at competing for a title.
Leonard finished the regular season averaging 23.7 points on 52.5 percent shooting, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in 68 starts. It's the first time he's appeared in at least 60 games since his lone season with the Toronto Raptors in 2018-19.
If he returns for Game 1 against the Mavs, it'll be a huge boost for the Clippers as they aim to fend off Dallas and advance in the postseason.