Injury-Plagued Los Angeles Clippers Star Kawhi Leonard’s Health Status Raises Concerns
Kawhi Leonard, the star forward for the injury-riddled Los Angeles Clippers, has enjoyed relative health during the 2023-24 season, appearing in 68 out of a possible 76 games leading up to Friday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz.
However, Leonard has recently missed the past two games due to a right knee injury, prompting the Clippers to rule him out for the upcoming game against Utah due to “inflammation.”
The absence of Leonard for a third consecutive game carries both short-term and long-term implications, given the Clippers’ current standing as the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 48-28. They are striving to maintain their position and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament, holding a three-game lead over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Looking ahead, the Clippers face upcoming games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns (two), and Houston Rockets to conclude the regular season. While they remain likely to bypass the play-in tournament, it’s no longer a certainty.
Leonard’s statistical contribution for the 2023-24 season has been notable, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on a shooting percentage of 52.5%.
However, concerns arise regarding Leonard’s injury history, particularly his limited appearances in postseason games dating back to the 2021 NBA Playoffs. He has participated in just two of the Clippers’ last 18 playoff games due to various injuries, raising doubts about his reliability during crucial moments.
Although the severity of Leonard’s latest injury appears minor, his history suggests that a short-term absence could extend longer than expected. This comes at a challenging time for the Clippers, who have recorded a modest 13-12 record in their past 25 games, highlighting their vulnerability as they approach the postseason.
