Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard will miss Sunday’s playoff Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks due to knee inflammation. Head coach Tyronn Lue made the announcement just hours before the game, with Leonard being sidelined since March 31.
The absence of Leonard, who played 68 games this season and was instrumental in helping the team secure a fourth-place finish in the West at 51-31, has led to uncertainty about his status for Game 2 and beyond. President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank had expressed hope that Leonard would be able to play on Sunday, but said that the inflammation needed to continue to reduce for him to perform basketball movements.
When healthy, Leonard is known for his dynamic offensive skills and elite defensive capabilities, making him a key player for the Clippers. However, injuries have been a persistent issue for Leonard throughout his career, limiting his availability in previous seasons and affecting his performance since joining the Clippers in 2019. Despite the setback, the Clippers will have to adjust their game plan in Leonard’s absence as they face a tough challenge against the Mavericks.
