Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight against Dallas Mavericks? 6-time All-Star's Latest injury update for Game 1 (April 21)

Kawhi Leonard is ruled out for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs first-round series between the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers. Leonard has been out since Apr. 1, missing LA's last eight regular season games. His status for Game 1 was questionable earlier but as per latest reports he won't be suiting up.

Leonard's co-star Paul George indicated during his press conference on Saturday, saying that the two-time finals MVP will join the team "at some point." Meanwhile, GM Lawrence Frank said earlier that Leonard hasn't begun five-on-five practice, nor can he make functional basketball moves.

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski's Saturday report suggests that Leonard will be out. Wojnarowski said that Leonard has worked more in practice but without contact. After missing three weeks of action, it's unlikely that the Clippers star will play in his first game back without contact practice.

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What happened to Kawhi Leonard?

Kawhi Leonard suffered a right knee injury in his last game on Mar. 31 against the Charlotte Hornets. Leonard completed the game but was ruled out hours before tipoff for the following contest against the Sacramento Kings on Apr. 2. Clippers coach Ty Lue said it was a right knee soreness issue and that it was minor. He also said there was optimism that Leonard would return as soon as the next game.

However, the two-time finals MVP remained sidelined. A few weeks ago, the Clippers updated his injury to right knee inflammation, suggesting his injury has worsened from what it was. The more concerning thing about the injury is that it's the same knee that was surgically repaired after a partial ACL tear during the 2021 playoffs.

Leonard also underwent a cleanup procedure after playing two games in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. He appeared in 68 games this season, the most in a year since 2016-17. However, Leonard's regular season ended with a long-term issue, again jeopardizing LA's hopes of playoff success.

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Kawhi Leonard stats vs. Dallas Mavericks

Kawhi Leonard has played 34 games against the Mavericks, averaging 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He holds a 26-8 win/loss record against the Clippers' rivals. Leonard's averages have been even better in the playoffs. He's managed 25.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 3.5 apg in 20 postseason games, bagging a 3-0 series record and a 12-8 win/oss games record.

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