© Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Clippers Give Kawhi Leonard Injury Update Before NBA Playoffs
Kawhi Leonard has not played since March 31.
The LA Clippers have won 7 out of their last 9 games, but they've done it largely without the assistance of Kawhi Leonard. With nearly a two-week absence, fans have gotten concerned about whether or not he'll play before the NBA Playoffs.
Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank gave a rare Kawhi Leonard injury update during Friday night's game between the Clippers and Utah Jazz.
"With Kawhi, he’s dealing with inflammation," Frank said on the broadcast. "It’s no secret he’s had a couple surgeries to that knee. It’s not uncommon over the course of it where you deal with inflammation. With inflammation, it limits your ability to make some natural basketball moves, so he’s working his tail off, the staff is working their tail off to try to help with the inflammation."
Kawhi Leonard has not suited up for the LA Clippers since March 31 against the Charlotte Hornets, where he put up 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists on 53% shooting from the field. In the month of March, he was averaging 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals on 51/32/87 shooting before ultimately missing games due to injury.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue mentioned before Wednesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns that he wasn't concerned about Leonard missing any time in the playoffs. However, with a player like Kawhi Leonard, you never really truly know what's going on until he steps back on the court.
The LA Clippers will face off against the Dallas Mavericks in round one of the NBA Playoffs.
Related Articles
Philadelphia 76ers Star Reveals Honest Feelings on James Harden
Exclusive: Russell Westbrook Opens Up About Role With Clippers
James Harden Opens Up About Playing for Clippers After Rough Few Years
