Kawhi Leonard has been basically ruled out of the L.A. Clippers‘ first two games against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals due to his knee injury.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Leonard didn't join the Clippers in their trip to Phoenix as he rehabs the injury. Game 1 of the West Finals starts on Sunday at Talking Sticks Resort Arena, while Game 2 is set on Tuesday.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard (knee) will not travel with the team to Phoenix to continue rehabbing at home, league sources tell @YahooSports, @NBAonTNT.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 19, 2021
To recall, Kawhi Leonard suffered a knee injury in Game 4 against the Utah Jazz, which ruled him out for the last two games of the series. There are reports that he sustained a sprained ACL, but the team hasn't made any official announcement with regards to his condition and the severity of the issue.
His status remains cloudy and there's no clear timetable for his return. However, if it is any indication, Leonard attended the Clippers' Game 6 against the Jazz and celebrated with the team in the locker room after their incredible victory that sealed their ticket to the conference finals.
As reported earlier, Leonard was also not wearing a knee brace and there is no noticeable limp when he was spotted at Staples Center. This raises hopes that his injury is not serious and that he would be able to return sooner rather than later.
Not joining the Clippers to Phoenix gives Leonard another four days of rest, with Game 3 of the series set in LA on Thursday. Hopefully, the time will be enough for Leonard to get healthy and re-join the team in their bid to end the team's championship drought.
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