Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard returns to L.A. for treatment on knee
Kawhi Leonard left the team Monday to receive treatment on his right knee, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters at Tuesday morning’s shootaround in Sacramento.
According to Lue, the two-time NBA Finals MVP has been experiencing soreness in that knee and will miss Tuesday night’s game against the Kings. Leonard has played in 68 games this season, his most since the 2016-17 season, when he played 74 games for San Antonio.
Leonard’s availability is unknown for Thursday’s home game against the Denver Nuggets, the first of a back-to-back set. The Clippers play four of their final six regular-season games at Crypto.com Arena.
“We hope so,” Lue said about whether Leonard would play Thursday. “We’re not sure right now, but that is what we are leaning towards.”
Leonard played 37 minutes and scored 23 points in a victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. He was sent back to Los Angeles for further treatment once the team landed in Sacramento on Monday.
Leonard is averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from 3-point range.