LA Clippers standout Kawhi Leonard sat out the final eight games of the regular season due to inflammation in his right knee, and the team has yet to provide updates on his availability for the playoffs.
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Despite repeated inquiries about Leonard’s status, Clippers head coach Ty Lue has opted not to disclose any substantial information, stating only that the team hopes Leonard will be ready for the postseason.
A potentially revealing update on Leonard’s injury situation came from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski during a recent NBA Countdown segment.
Speaking with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Wojnarowski indicated, “In the past, there has often been mystery surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s injuries, sometimes revealing them to be more serious than initially described. However, I’ve been informed that’s not the case here.”
He clarified that Leonard’s current ailment is right knee inflammation, the same knee that underwent meniscus and ACL surgeries in recent years.
Remarkably, Leonard managed to play 68 games this season, marking his highest game count since the 2016-17 season.
The Clippers are scheduled to commence their postseason campaign against the Mavericks on April 21st. Wojnarowski noted that the team will continue to manage Leonard’s knee condition leading up to the playoffs. While he didn’t confirm Leonard’s availability for the playoff opener, Wojnarowski reassured that the injury is not more severe than the current communication suggests.
