Even if the Los Angeles Clippers force a Game 7 against the Phoenix Suns, it is doubtful Kawhi Leonard will return at all.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Leonard is not expected to return in the Western Conference Finals as he recovers from his knee injury. And if ever the Clippers perform a miraculous comeback and reach the NBA Finals, the status of the veteran forward remains uncertain.
If they do make it to the big dance, the Clippers are expected to meet with Leonard's party and decide there if they would play him or not. For what it's worth, Haynes noted that the 30-year-old swingman is “doing better” in his recovery.
Sources: My @NBATV report on the plan for Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard and the possibility of returning to postseason action. pic.twitter.com/eS7ZVVSRZv
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2021
Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out of Wednesday's Game 6 against the Suns, marking his eighth straight absence since suffering from a right knee ACL sprain in the second round against the Utah Jazz. While there was initial hope he'd be able to play in the West Finals, it became abundantly clear he's nowhere near close to returning as the Clippers continue rule him out while avoiding making specific updates about his injury.
Sure enough, the Clippers cannot think too much ahead as they head to Game 6 still behind the Suns, 3-2. Ty Lue's squad managed to survive another day with the help of Paul George's brilliant 41-point, 13 rebound explosion in Game 5.
Whether Kawhi plays or not remains to be seen, but the Clippers must think of that only when they cross the bridge.
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