Clippers preparing to have Kawhi Leonard for Game 1 against Mavericks
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard has yet to practice five-on-five with the Los Angeles Clippers as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
Leonard hasn't played in a game since March 31 because of inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. The best-of-7 series begins Sunday in Los Angeles.
“I'm preparing to have him on the court,” coach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday. “We just take it day-by-day. He's getting better and we'll see how much he continues to progress.”
Lue apologized to the media for his obvious frustration at repeated questions about Leonard's health. The team hasn't made Leonard available to speak for himself.
Teammate Norman Powell demurred when asked how Leonard looked after his limited participation in Tuesday's practice.
“That's not on me to answer, man,” he said. “I let the organization and the coach talk about the status of Kawhi.”
Leonard played in 68 games during the regular season, the most since 2016-17 when he appeared in 74 with the San Antonio Spurs and the most since joining the Clippers four years ago. The All-Star forward averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
-
NBA Champions by Year: Complete list of NBA Finals winners
Suns reportedly sign Mike Budenholzer to lucrative five-year coaching deal
2024 NBA Playoff Bracket: Updated schedule, scores, standings
-
Austin Rivers calls out James Jones for career critique; Jones responds
Pat Beverley suspended four games for actions in Bucks' elimination game
Anthony Edwards hears your Michael Jordan comparisons, but 'it's just not possible'
-
OG Anunoby won't play and Jalen Brunson is questionable for the Knicks in Game 3 against the Pacers
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle fined $35,000 for criticizing refs, implying bias
-
NBA Champions by Year: Complete list of NBA Finals winners
Suns reportedly sign Mike Budenholzer to lucrative five-year coaching deal
2024 NBA Playoff Bracket: Updated schedule, scores, standings
-
Austin Rivers calls out James Jones for career critique; Jones responds
Pat Beverley suspended four games for actions in Bucks' elimination game
Anthony Edwards hears your Michael Jordan comparisons, but 'it's just not possible'
-
OG Anunoby won't play and Jalen Brunson is questionable for the Knicks in Game 3 against the Pacers
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle fined $35,000 for criticizing refs, implying bias