Can Leonard stay healthy and make a playoff run?
The Los Angeles Clippers lost 109-110 against the Utah Jazz in the 2023-2024 NBA regular season at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, USA, on Wednesday night.
The Clippers are locked into fifth place in the Western Conference. They didn’t need to push themselves too hard in the remaining games. Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook all played around 10 minutes and left the game. The intention was to prepare for the playoffs from the ground up.
Kawhi Leonard sat out entirely. He had missed seven games in a row before tonight’s game, after playing in the first game against Charlotte.
Starting this season, the NBA implemented a new rule that players must play in at least 65 games to be eligible for awards like MVP and All-NBA team. Leonard, known for his glass body, met the requirement with 68 games this season.
While it’s great if he’s missing time to rest and prepare for the playoffs, it’s bad news for the Clippers if it’s due to injury.
Leonard has been dealing with a knee injury all season. His knee hasn’t been normal, with the injury progressing from soreness to inflammation.
Some local media outlets reported that Leonard might not even be able to play in the playoffs.
In a postgame interview after the game against Utah, head coach Tyronn Lue spoke about Leonard’s situation. “I hope he’s able to play in the playoffs. I want him to be able to play in the playoffs,” he said.
In other words, Lue is unsure of Leonard’s 사설토토 status.
The Clippers have clinched a first-round playoff matchup with the Dallas Mavericks regardless of the outcome of the rest of their games. The two teams will meet in the playoffs for the third time in the last five seasons.
Dallas emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the NBA at the end of the season. The one-two punch of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving has been a revelation, as have trade acquisitions PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford.
If Leonard is out, it will be difficult for the Clippers to beat Dallas. Will Leonard be back for the playoffs?