Even though the Los Angeles Clippers have been attempting to bring Kawhi Leonard back as gradually as they can, there may still be some setbacks.
According to ESPN, Leonard missed both Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and a game against the same club on Thursday due to stiffness in his surgically repaired right knee.
Clippers Kawhi Leonard
Tyronn Lue, the head coach of the Clippers, allegedly stated that Kawhi Leonard has not seen a setback in his recovery from an ACL tear in time for the 2021 NBA playoffs, but the star will still travel back to Los Angeles for knee surgery.
The Clippers play the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday following their contest on Thursday. It is unknown how Leonard will do in that match.
Tuesday saw the Clippers gradually bring Kawhi Leonard back while also losing Paul George.
Leonard’s recovery from knee surgery, which prevented him from playing the whole previous season, has been slow, but encouraging when he’s on the floor. The Clippers reportedly summoned Leonard off the bench at his request, and he has since played in two of three games while sitting out the first half of a back-to-back.
In his first 42 minutes of play, Leonard had amassed 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 of 18 field goal attempts.
The Clippers have made it quite obvious that they are ready to wait until Leonard is completely functional before giving him the playing time and usage he is accustomed to. Given their incredible depth, the squad should still make the playoffs even without him, but this season has already put that strength to the test.
The Clippers will start Terance Mann and Nicolas Batum with Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and Reggie Jackson on Tuesday due to the absence of starters Paul George (sickness) and Marcus Morris (personal reasons).
