The Los Angeles Clippers will start their postseason without Kawhi Leonard.
Head coach Tyronn Lue ruled out Leonard for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. He hasn’t played since March 31 due to right knee inflammation.
It’s an all-too-familiar situation for Leonard, who tore his meniscus in Game 2 of last year’s opening-round series against the Phoenix Suns. His 2021 postseason also ended early when he tore his ACL in the second round. The injury wiped out his entire 2021-22 season.
The Clippers hoped to finally have Leonard healthy for a deep playoff run. He played his most games (68) since 2016-17 during the regular season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.
However, another ill-timed setback cost the two-time NBA Finals MVP the season’s final eight games. The Clippers won four of those contests to finish as the Western Conference’s No. 4 seed.
With James Harden steering the offense and Paul George healthy for his first postseason since 2021, the Clippers could be credible challengers to win a wide-open West. However, those chances would take a drastic hit without Leonard.
It’s unclear if the Clippers can count on the six-time All-Star returning later in the series. Lue said Leonard has yet to resume contact practices and remains day-to-day.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that Leonard received an injection in his knee earlier this month in hopes of playing in the postseason.
Sunday’s Game 1 against Dallas starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.