The Los Angeles Clippers announced that Kawhi Leonard would be absent for Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks due to inflammation in his right knee. This decision was made by the organization, and it is the same knee that Leonard had surgery on in the past. Despite returning for Games 2 and 3 after missing the last eight games of the regular season and Game 1 of the series, the pain in Leonard’s knee has forced him to sit out Game 4.
Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations, stated that there is no clear timeline for Leonard’s return until he is able to make all the necessary movements. Frank described the inflammation in Leonard’s knee as “tricky” and expressed uncertainty about when Leonard would be able to return to the court. The Clippers are currently trailing 2-1 in the series against the Mavericks, with Leonard playing in both games the team lost.
Frank mentioned that there is a possibility Leonard could be sidelined for an extended period beyond this series if he is unable to move without restrictions. While there is hope for Leonard’s return if he can demonstrate normal movement, Frank emphasized that there is no definitive timetable for his comeback. The focus for the Clippers remains on overcoming the Mavericks in the first round series before considering Leonard’s availability for future games.