The Los Angeles Clippers are all set to face the Dallas Mavericks in round 1 of the 2024 playoffs. The California-based franchise finished as the fourth seed with 51 wins and 31 losses, after winning four games fewer than the Minnesota Timberwolves. Conversely, the Mavs were the fifth seed in the West, right below the Clippers with 50 wins. It will be one of the most-anticipated clashes of this season, mainly because of the star-studded talent that will be on display, including Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, James Harden, and more.
Both teams have been unfortunate this year to play without some of their key players due to injuries. The Clippers have had their fair troubles in terms of injury setbacks. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard haven’t had much luck and it isn’t any different this time around too. Kawhi is currently out with a knee injury and his status for the Mavs game is still in doubt. That could certainly dictate the result of the game, as Kawhi has the reputation as someone who can take games on by himself.
When will Kawhi Leonard return?
Kawhi Leonard is currently out with a knee injury and still faces inflammation. This is the main reason why the player hasn’t made his way back to the roster. Clippers’ president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, recently provided an update on Kawhi’s status. He said, “He’s doing everything. Our medical staff is doing everything to get the inflammation down so he can play. Progress has been made, but more progress needs — the inflammation needs to continue to reduce so he can do functional basketball movements.”
Lawrence Frank’s opening statement on Kawhi Leonard:
“Kawhi’s been dealing with inflammation for almost 3 weeks in his right knee. He’s doing everything, our medical staff is doing everything to get the inflammation down so he can play. Progress has been made, but more progress,… pic.twitter.com/mc8JZTfZBN
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 18, 2024
Frank then claimed that the Clippers are trying to be as transparent as they possibly can with the media and fans, to provide updates that are accurate with regards to the player’s current injury situation. He also added that Kawhi will only make his way back to the NBA court when he is fully ready to play, which would be a relief for the player’s fans.
Can the Clippers beat the Mavericks without Kawhi?
The Clippers superstar was a limited participant in the team’s practice ahead of the Mavs clash. That certainly speaks at length about his ability to feature in an NBA game right now. It is unlikely that we see him against the Mavs in a few days, judging from the updates that have surfaced in the last few hours. That could be a huge blow for the Clippers who aim to get the Mavs series off to a winning start.
But even without Kawhi, the Clippers have a great roster as well. With Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Paul George available, the Clippers surely have a fighting chance. Russ has mostly been on the bench but with Kawhi out, he could make a start against the Mavs. However, it has to be mentioned that the Clippers have lost their last three regular-season games, one being against the Phoenix Suns.
Based on that, momentum surely lies on the Texas side, who have been sensational this season. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving seem to have figured out how to make things click in the Dallas locker room and they certainly look serious this year.
The Clippers will have to restrict the duo in any way they can if they want to walk away with a win. Both Luka and Kyrie will be able to play on and off the ball, and the Clippers’ defense will have to be on their best to have a fighting chance.