The Los Angeles Clippers have some huge news regarding Kawhi Leonard’s status ahead of tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Leonard has been battling a left knee contusion, but the Clippers could be in with a helping hand against a superstar Laker team.
Kawhi Leonard Positive Injury Update
LA Clippers beat writer Joey Linn confirmed that the Clippers have upgraded Leonard’s status to questionable ahead of the Lakers clash. Leonard had missed the two previous games due to his current injury, firstly beating the Washington Wizards before a blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls in his absence.
Leonard picked up the knee injury during a road game against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 10, clashing with Ausar Thompson and Paul Reed. The two-time Finals MVP had been playing with an ankle sprain, and the team sent him to recover from both injuries.
Before missing three games in total, Leonard played the previous four games on a 30-minute restriction. The minutes restriction didn’t stop him from getting it done offensively, recording 26 points twice, 35 points against Charlotte, and 30 points against the Wizards.
The six-time All-Star has only missed 13 games this season, and his consistency has influenced his play on the court. So far this season, Leonard is playing at an All-NBA level, averaging a career-high 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Though it’s not definite that Leonard will feature against the Lakers, his ability on both ends of the floor will certainly help the Clippers keep their momentum. Following a 6-21 start, Leonard has led an inspired comeback for the Clippers in their playoff hunt.
The Clippers have won 13 of their last 16 games, climbing to 10th in the NBA Western Conference. Leonard’s men are firmly in contention for the play-in tournament, eight wins shy of the Phoenix Suns in sixth place.
If Leonard is to miss the game tonight against the Lakers, Kobe Sanders will continue to play in his place. Sanders has averaged 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just over 20 minutes per game this season. Leonard’s replacement has struggled to come anywhere near the former Defensive Player of the Year in terms of productivity.
Consequently, the offensive load will fall on the shoulders of James Harden, who, like Leonard, has been playing lights out in the Clippers’ upturn in fortune. They face a Lakers team that has won its last two games, including victories over the Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors. They previously lost five of the last six, and a fit Leonard will cause problems for a Lakers team that has struggled monumentally on defense.
Will Leonard return tonight to continue the Clippers’ rolling momentum?
