In a recent announcement, the Los Angeles Clippers confirmed that Kawhi Leonard would miss Game 4 of their NBA playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks due to inflammation in his right knee. This decision was made by the team, and it is the same knee that had surgery on earlier in the season. Despite making a comeback for Games 2 and 3 after sitting out for eight games during the regular season and Game 1 of the series, Leonard’s pain has forced him to sit out once again.
According to Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations for the Clippers, there is no clear timeline for Leonard’s return until he can make all necessary movements without restrictions. Frank described the inflammation in Leonard’s knee as “tricky” and expressed uncertainty about when he would be able to return to action. Currently, the Clippers are trailing 2-1 in the series against the Mavericks, with Leonard playing in both games they lost so far.
If there is any hope for Leonard’s return, it will depend on his ability to demonstrate normal movement. However, Frank emphasized that there is no definitive timetable for his comeback. The focus for the Clippers remains on overcoming their opponents in this first round series before considering Leonard’s availability for future games.