Kawhi Leonard has not survived an entire NBA playoff run injury-free since the 2020 bubble in Orlando. The stage was set for 2024 to mark his comeback story, especially after the Clippers star appeared in 68 games this season, the most he’s played since 2016-17.
Sadly, with less than 72 hours left for his return to the postseason stage, the song remains the same for the former two-time NBA Finals MVP.
According to Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, Leonard continues to deal with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee, and his status for Game 1 against the Mavericks on Sunday is questionable.
In a more worrying sign, Frank revealed Leonard has not engaged in any full-contact practice in nearly a month. Leonard last suited up for the Clippers on March 31. He missed the final eight games of the season with knee soreness.
“Our medical staff is doing everything to get the inflammation down so he can play,” Frank said. “Progress has been made, but more progress is needed for the inflammation to continue to reduce, so he can do functional basketball movements. We’re hopeful it’s going to get there. In terms of practice, he’s able to do all the mental preparation — film study, personnel review — but he hasn’t done any contact. We’re just taking it day by day.”