A few hours before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, the Los Angeles Clippers announced that Kawhi Leonard would not be in the lineup because of a left leg injury, and it is unclear when he will be back in the lineup.
Speaking to reporters before the game, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Leonard apparently suffered the injury during the team’s recent trip, but did not offer many details.
“I’m not sure when that happened,” said Lue. “Or when he’ll be back.”
A bruise on his leg doesn’t seem serious and there shouldn’t be any long-term concerns here with Leonard or the Clippers. However, it would not be a surprise if he is out of the lineup for the next games, especially considering that they have a busy week ahead.
Including Sunday’s game against the Cavs, the Clippers play five times in the next eight days, including three in a row against Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets. If Leonard ends up losing those competitions, this will be an extremely difficult stretch for the Clippers.
Because not only is Leonard out, but Paul George is still out indefinitely because of a foot injury. He hasn’t played against the Cavaliers since February 3, and there is also no time limit for his return – although he was spotted on the court getting kicked on Sunday.
The LA star duo has been fantastic this season, with a combined average of 51.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 10.5 assists and four steals per game. When they were on the court together, the Clippers were somewhat unstoppable, overtaking the teams by 21.3 points per 100 possessions. However, when both were off the ground, the Clippers are being outperformed by 7.5 points per 100 possessions.