The LA Clippers have almost cemented their spot in the 4th seed. With only 4 games left in their tank, the Clippers should make the most of it to widen the gap between the trailing Dallas Mavericks. In their last stretch, they take on the lethal Phoenix Suns in a back-to-back game, starting tomorrow at the Footprint Center. While the LA side needs to win the blockbuster, a grave threat regarding Kawhi Leonard awaits them.

The team’s trusted forward missed the last games with a right knee inflammation. And, the 2x NBA Champs’ availability for the upcoming clash also remained uncertain. The Athletic‘s reporter, Law Murray now suggests, ahead of the game, that the team “will not play” him, ruling out the 32-year-old. In the last 4, the Clippers have managed to win 3 in the absence of Leonard. While Paul George and others pitched in to handle the offense, the team cannot rely on it for long.

On the other hand, the team also hasn’t revealed any clear information about the star’s return. Moreover, Klaw has a history of missing out on playoffs due to injuries. Apart from Leonard, the Clippers have a few others on the list.

Importantly, the team’s backup center Daniel Theis missed the last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers after being listed in the Questionable category with a thumb injury. There isn’t any clarity on the German center’s availability, but the team would most likely bench him.

On the other end, Kevin Durant & Co. has a clean roster ahead of tomorrow night’s clash. Apart from Damion Lee, who has been out for the entire season, the team added the Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the Questionable category with a right ankle sprain.

Clippers’ record without Kawhi Leonard

After the inclusion of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the 2019-20 season, the two formed the core of the LA side. Surrounding them, the rest of the team has been built. Recently, they have added two more explosive pieces, namely James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

The team has faced the effects of missing out on Leonard multiple times because of injuries. Even the star subtly mentioned staying away from injuries during a press meet this season. When a reporter asked him about how he managed to stay healthy for so many games this season, Leonard said, “I didn’t tear my ACL,” with a straight face. Fortunately, Klaw has kept himself fit throughout the season, missing only 10 games, so far. Out of which, the team has managed to win 6 of them.

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With Kawhi Leonard ruled out for the game tomorrow, the Clippers starting lineup may look like this: Paul George, PJ Tucker, Ivica Zubac, Terrance Mann, James Harden

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