Kawhi Leonard, the two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, has been declared questionable by the Los Angeles Clippers for the Game 1 playoff opener against the Dallas Mavericks.
The six-time All-Star, Leonard, has not participated in games since March 31 and has inflammation in his right knee. The head coach of the Clippers, Tyronn Lue, mentioned that the squad is not yet sure where they stand with Leonard regarding his potential participation.
The nine-time All-Star, Paul George, will have to handle more if Leonard is not able to play, as per ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. During last postseason, both George and Leonard faced injuries and subsequently, the Phoenix Suns defeated them during the series.
As per the report, George also mentioned, "I think from the injury standpoint, we"ve just been unlucky. But [we are] more so focused on [the] positive and do think at some point he"ll be with us."
He also further mentioned, regarding Leonard and his will to come back on the court and lead the Clippers, "He is working hard. This is Kawhi. He wants to be in this more than anybody, and so he"s working hard, he"s doing everything he can to be available. We all see it, the work he"s putting in. When he"s ready, he"ll be ready."
The Clippers president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, has also stated that Leonard’s right ACL, which is surgically repaired and right meniscus are healthy; however, the inflammation is "unpredictable" and "stubborn".
