Is Kawhi Leonard Playing vs Kevin Durant & Co? Clippers Reveal 2x Champ’s Status For West Blockbuster
Follow Us
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.
Kawhi Leonard will not play in Phoenix
— Law Murray 🐦🔥 (@LawMurrayTheNU) April 9, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers
April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT
Bronny’s Suffering Doesn’t Affect Brother Bryce as LeBron James’ Younger Son Sees Stability Financially
April 28, 2024 02:24 PM EDT
Lakers Advised To Terminate LeBron James’ $99 Million Contract, a Move That Could Save His Legacy
April 28, 2024 06:14 AM EDT
“No More K!”: Mic’d Up Anthony Edwards’ Stern Warning to 35YO Kevin Durant Goes Viral in Suns vs Wolves Game 4
April 29, 2024 05:33 AM EDT
“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA
April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
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
“I Trust Kawhi, I Trust Paul”: Shaquille O’Neal Admits His Lack of Faith in 2 Clippers Superstars
Edited by:
Daniel D'Cruz