(Photo : (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 09: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers controls the ball in opposition to Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls within the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 09, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or utilizing this {photograph}, consumer is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard left final night time’s recreation in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves within the first quarter as a result of again spasms.
Leonard, who completed with six factors, two rebounds, and two assists, left the sport after 12 minutes of play; lacking the second quarter and exiting the sector quietly.
According to Clippers head coach Tyrone Lue, Kawhi Leonard has been coping with the spasms for a while now.
“He’s been dealing with it for a couple of days – back spasms,” Lue mentioned.
“Wasn’t sure if he was going to go this morning when he came to shootaround, got some treatment, did what he had to do and tried to get on the court and play today and it just didn’t loosen up for him.”
Kawhi Leonard Injury History
Kawhi Leonard has an in depth harm historical past. He suffered a torn meniscus within the 2023 NBA Playoffs and in addition, extra notably, suffered a partial tear of the ACL in his proper knee that pressured him to overlook all the NBA 2021-22 season.
Leonard sat out the Clippers’ street matchup in opposition to the Golden State Warriors on Feb fifteenth as a result of a left adductor pressure.
Despite this, Kawhi was within the midst of one other stellar season this yr, averaging 23.8 factors on 52.3 % capturing, 6.2 rebounds, and three.8 assists.
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What Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Means for the Clippers
With the NBA Playoffs proper across the nook, it is laborious to think about a world the place the Clippers might be aggressive with out a wholesome Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers had been already with out Russell Westbrook, who was out as a result of a damaged hand. And now with out the Claw, their championship hopes could also be in jeopardy.
The Clippers have been on a roll this season. They are at present 41-23, good for fourth within the Western Conference. However, dropping Leonard for a major period of time might trigger the Clippers to fall within the standings, probably dropping an opportunity at having a home-court benefit within the first spherical.
The Clippers upcoming video games embody a matchup in opposition to the Chicago Bulls, who wish to maintain their season alive, after which a matchup in opposition to the Pelicans in New Orleans, who’ve been quietly taking part in good basketball up up to now within the season.
After buying and selling for the previous league MVP James Harden, the crew discovered its stride and has turn out to be probably the greatest groups within the NBA. Now probably with out Leonard, who has skilled a comparatively wholesome season in taking part in 57 out of his 63 video games, his harm could also be a troublesome tablet to swallow for a Clippers crew preventing for Western Conference supremacy.
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