Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on from the bench during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Lack of timeline for Kawhi Leonard's return leaves Clippers in the dark

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/23/24

Clippers' Kawhi Leonard is dealing with inflammation in his right knee. He missed eight games leading up to the playoffs and sat out of L.A.'s first game against Dallas.

Leonard's inflammation has yet to subside. As such, Clips head coach Ty Lue is unlikely to have a clear timeframe for when his star player will return to the court.

"It's uncertain," Shams Charania said via FanDuel TV's 'Run it Back.' "He had an injection in that right knee earlier this month. The hope was after a period of rest, [Leonard] would be able to ramp up, the inflammation would go down, and he'd be able to come back in game one, but it just has not happened yet. He still has inflammation in that knee."

"The hope was after a period of rest, [Kawhi Leonard] would be able to ramp up, the inflammation would go down, and he'd be able to come back in game one, but it just has not happened yet."@ShamsCharania updates on Kawhi Leonard.

: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/IFrjwfsOPJ
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 22, 2024

Leonard has played in 68 regular season games for the Clippers. He's averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 52.5% shooting from the field and 41.7% from three-point range.

His presence in Lue's rotation will be critical to the Clippers' push for the NBA Finals. Without the veteran forward, it's hard to envision Lue's team making it out of the Western Conference.

Fortunately, there's still a significant amount of basketball left to play. The Clippers hold a one-game lead over the Mavericks following its initial win in its first-round playoff series.

However, Leonard's knee issues will undoubtedly be a concern. He's previously suffered a torn ACL and torn meniscus, which further complicates the situation.

Nevertheless, Los Angeles hopes their star player can return to the rotation in the coming days or weeks as they look to build on a strong season and prove they can be crowned champions.

More must-reads: