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Kawhi Leonard Officially Ruled Out for Game 1 of Playoff Series
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will not be playing in Game 1 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks due to knee inflammation. Leonard has been sidelined since missing the final eight games of the regular season, with his last appearance on the court dating back to March 31.
Medical Update and Team’s Preparations
The Clippers, seeded fourth in the playoff bracket, are bracing themselves for another postseason clash against the Mavericks, scheduled to begin this Sunday afternoon. Lawrence Frank, the team’s president of basketball operations, provided insight into Leonard’s condition, stating that progress has been made in his recovery, yet the inflammation in his knee requires further reduction for him to resume basketball activities.
In an effort to address the issue, Leonard received an injection in his knee earlier this month, as reported by The Athletic, citing sources within the league. While specific details regarding the treatment remain undisclosed, Frank emphasized the collective efforts being made to support Leonard’s recovery process.
Despite his absence from gameplay, Leonard has remained actively engaged off the court, participating in film sessions and player evaluations of the Mavericks. However, due to his physical limitations, he has not been able to engage in on-court activities that involve contact, Frank confirmed.
Player Performance and Playoff History
During the current (2023-24) regular season, Leonard featured in 68 games, delivering notable contributions with an average of 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game for the Clippers. Recalling his history of injuries during critical playoff moments, Leonard faced setbacks in previous seasons, including a torn meniscus in his right knee that forced him to step out of playoff games against the Phoenix Suns and a subsequent absence throughout the 2021-22 season post ACL injury recovery.
In the 2021 playoffs, Leonard encountered a knee sprain in the Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz. Despite the setback, the Clippers managed to overcome the Jazz and progressed to the Conference finals, ultimately losing to the Phoenix Suns after six games.
As the Clippers navigate through the playoffs minus Leonard’s on-court presence, the team remains optimistic about his recovery trajectory, emphasizing the collective dedication to support their star player’s return to the game.
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