The Los Angeles Clippers will host the Dallas Mavericks this afternoon for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. The two teams have clashed in the playoffs twice, with the Clippers emerging victorious on both occasions. Moreover, the LA Clippers also hold the season series lead, sweeping the Mavericks in three matchups. However, Dallas now has a golden opportunity for revenge, as the Clippers will be missing a key player in the postseason opener.

According to the Clippers’ injury report, Kawhi Leonard is ruled out due to right knee inflammation, the same injury that sidelined him for the season’s final eight games. The Klaw suffered a right knee injury during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 31. While he stayed in that game till the end, he was sidelined hours before the tipoff for the next game against the Sacramento Kings on April 2 and has been out of action since then.

Speaking on Kawhi Leonard’s absence, head coach Ty Lue said, “I think it [pressure] is on everyone collectively. It is not one or two players. Everybody gonna have to step their game up. And we sure need to do that. At the same time, talking about the Phoenix game, talking about the Denver game, and the Cleveland game. And we’re very capable. We prepare for these situations. So, here we are, we’re ready to go.” 

As Lue mentions, the Clippers have been able to hold their own in Leonard’s eight-game absence in the stretch run with notable victories against the Suns (105-92), Cavaliers (120-118), and Nuggets (102-100). However, the LA side has also suffered four losses during this stretch, the last two coming against the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz.

Will the Clippers be able to keep their head above water without Kawhi Leonard?

This has been one of the healthiest seasons for Leonard, who hasn’t laced up for more than 60 games since 2017-18. So, an injury at this point is a bummer, especially considering he’s the leading scorer on the team. Kawhi has been a key contributor, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, with impressive shooting percentages of 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. The team has managed a 7-7 record in his absence, while the Clippers are a staggering 44-24 with him on the floor.

To make matters worse, the Clippers enter the game amid a three-game losing streak, their second slide since acquiring James Harden in a midseason trade. While it is true that the Clippers have been dominant against the Mavericks this season, it should also be noted that all three games were played before Dallas’ resurgence. The Mavericks have been on a tear post-All-Star break, boasting one of the best records in the league, thanks in large part to their trade deadline acquisitions. However, even without Leonard, the Clippers have enough depth to make things hard for Dallas. Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook will need to take care of the business until the 6x NBA All-Star returns.

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