Kawhi Leonard, who has been dealing with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee, has yet to participate in five-on-five practice sessions with the team. With the series opener scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles, Leonard’s availability remains uncertain.
Coach Tyronn Lue expressed optimism about Leonard’s potential return but acknowledged the need to take it day by day. Despite Leonard’s progress, Lue expressed frustration with the repeated questions about the star player’s health, apologizing to the media for any visible signs of irritation.
However, the Clippers have not provided Leonard with an opportunity to address his status directly.
Teammate Norman Powell refrained from commenting on Leonard’s condition, deferring to the organization and coaching staff for updates. Powell’s reluctance to discuss Leonard’s status reflects the team’s cautious approach to managing information about the injury.
During the regular season, Leonard appeared in 68 games, marking his highest number of appearances since the 2016-17 season. Despite his durability during the regular season, Leonard’s availability for the playoffs remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the Clippers’ postseason aspirations.
As the Clippers prepare to face the Mavericks in the opening round, they hope for Leonard’s swift recovery and return to the court. His absence poses a significant challenge for the team, as Leonard’s contributions as an All-Star forward were instrumental to their success during the regular season.
However, until Leonard’s status is clarified, the Clippers must adjust their game plan and rely on their depth to compensate for his absence on the court.
