Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue has confirmed that star player Kawhi Leonard will not be available for Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Leonard has been dealing with inflammation in his right knee, which has kept him sidelined since March 31.
Despite being listed as questionable on the injury report, Leonard's absence for the opening game of the series was expected. Lue described Leonard's status as day-to-day, indicating that his availability for future games will be determined based on his recovery.
The Clippers will have to navigate Game 1 without Leonard's on-court presence, as he continues to focus on rehabilitating his knee. The team's performance will be crucial in his absence, as they look to secure a strong start to the playoff series against the Mavericks.
With Game 2 scheduled for Tuesday, Leonard's availability for the upcoming matches remains uncertain. The star player did not participate in contact drills during the team's final practice before Game 1, highlighting the cautious approach being taken with his recovery.
Leonard's absence in the final stretch of the regular season, where he missed the last eight games, has raised concerns about his readiness for the playoffs. The Clippers will need to rely on their depth and collective effort to compensate for his absence and maintain their competitiveness against the Mavericks.
