Kawhi Leonard won’t be playing in the first playoff game for the Los Angeles Clippers against the Dallas Mavericks.
Leonard was uncertain for Game 1 on Sunday due to swelling in his right knee, which he had surgery on before.
Coach Tyronn Lue confirmed Leonard’s absence nearly two hours before the game started, but he didn’t reveal who would replace the two-time NBA Finals MVP in the lineup.
“We prepared as if he would play,” said Mavs coach Jason Kidd. “Now, with him not playing, the matchups will be different.”
Although Leonard has been shooting during practice lately, he hasn’t been involved in full-contact practices.
“He’s making progress,” Lue said. “We’re taking it one day at a time.”
Game 2 will be on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Leonard has been sidelined since March 31 after playing 68 games in the season, his highest number of games as a Clipper. The team went 4-4 in his absence towards the end of the season.
