The Los Angeles Clippers will hope to keep their momentum going Tuesday in Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks after lighting it up in Game 1 to take a lead in this first-round series. The Clippers and Mavericks are meeting for the third time in the postseason in the last five years, so there’s familiarity here. Both previous series have gone the distance, and the Mavericks will want to get a game while LA star Kawhi Leonard is still dealing with knee soreness. Here’s the latest on Leonard’s status for Game 2 after he missed Game 1.
Kawhi Leonard injury updates
Update: According to Shams Charania, Leonard will make his return to the lineup Tuesday night against the Mavericks.
Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard – out since March 31 – will return in Game 2 vs. Mavericks tonight.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 24, 2024
Update: Leonard was present at the team’s morning shootaround, so it seems like he’s trending towards a return. However, there’s no indication as to whether he was able to go through contact drills yet.
The Clippers have officially listed Leonard as questionable, which was his designation for Game 1 as well. He’s reportedly not going through contact drills yet, so it seems like he’s trending in the wrong direction when it comes to being on the floor. The Clippers winning Game 1 has bought Leonard some extra time, which is important in a series that is projected to be close.
If Leonard remains out, Paul George and James Harden will look to repeat their Game 1 performances. George had 22 points while Harden had 28 points and eight assists, but the big surprise was Ivica Zubac coming in with 20 points and 15 rebounds. The Clippers have some good role players as well in Terance Mann and Norman Powell who can heat up. Both would see more action if Leonard remains sidelined.
