The Los Angeles Clippers saw Kawhi Leonard leaving the contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves as his team got blown out 118-100 in an important matchup for the Western Conference seeding. Leonard was not only left the game but he headed home to rest his back as he was ruled out with a back spasm.
The Clippers built a 57-39 lead early in the game against Minnesota but were outscored 83-39 in the final 27 minutes of the contest and suffer a painful defeat. Ahead of the game against the Bulls, who, thanks to DeMar DeRozan, survived a tough OT battle vs. the Pacers Wednesday, Kawhi Leonard remains in the injury list as questionable.
According to Ty Lue who spoke to the reporters after the loss, Leonard was part of the groups’ training schedule on Tuesday, but he’s dealing with a back issue for some time. James Harden also appears in the injury report ahead of the matchup vs. Chicago.
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are QUESTIONABLE to play tomorrow against the Bulls.
Paul George is not on the injury report.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 13, 2024
“He’s been dealing with it for a couple of days, back spasms,” Clippers’ coach Tyronn Lue said, via Law Murray of The Athletic. “Wasn’t sure if he was going to go this morning. But he came to shootaround, got some treatment, did what he had to do and tried to get on the court and play today, and it just didn’t loosen up for him.”
Kawhi Leonard hopes to remain healthy after a good regular season run
Kawhi Leonard is a vital part of what the Los Angeles Clippers are trying to do in the long run. The health factor has played a big role on the Clippers underachieving during the last few seasons as the team is clearly was built to win the NBA title. That said, was present for many games in the regular season this year.
The “Claw” is a big part of their success this year appearing in 58 games so far. That’s more than the appearances he made during each of the last three years in the regular season as the Clippers remain in the upper echelon of the Western Conference with a 41-23 record.
Leonard is averaging 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists shooting 52.3 percent from the field. With Leonard on the floor, the Clippers are one of the best defenses in the league allowing 110.6 points per 100 possessions, while scoring 119.3 on offense which is the second-best offensive rating among the Clippers only behind Paul George.
The Clippers are hosting Bulls on Thursday in hope to get back in their winning track with Kawhi Leonard’s participation still in the air.
