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Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Workers Author
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kawhi Leonard has been dominated out for the rest of the LA Clippers‘ preseason, and his standing for his or her season opener Oct. 23 stays unsure.
Leonard has not suited up this preseason, lacking the primary three video games and Monday night time’s 110-96 win in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks due to irritation in his proper knee.
“Proceed to maintain rehabbing,” Clippers coach Ty Lue stated when requested concerning the plan for Leonard this week. “Hold getting higher. Hold checking the packing containers.”
Lue stated Leonard won’t play in LA’s preseason finale in opposition to the Kings on Thursday.
Leonard has not participated involved drills in coaching camp, because the crew has been cautious with its franchise star. Lue has stated that Leonard has spent practices strengthening his knee.
Leonard missed the ultimate eight video games of final common season and was restricted to 2 video games within the six-game, first-round loss to Dallas within the postseason due to irritation in his surgically repaired proper knee.
Leonard and the Clippers have gone by way of a wide range of medical remedies to manage the irritation because the finish of final season. The All-Star stated in the beginning of camp that he was way more assured that he and the medical employees have a greater deal with on the situation.
Whereas Leonard stated he’s feeling a lot better now, the two-time Finals MVP stated he desires to make it possible for he’s accessible late within the season and would not must take care of the troublesome irritation in his knee, which has had surgical procedures on his ACL and meniscus.
Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, stated earlier than the beginning of camp that Leonard nonetheless had some irritation in his knee and that the crew wished to be as secure as doable and would maintain Leonard out of contact drills.
Requested throughout the Clippers’ preseason recreation in opposition to the Golden State Warriors in Hawai’i on Oct. 5 if he wanted to play within the preseason to be able to play within the season opener, Leonard stated there’s all the time a “buildup … particularly within the place I am in.”
Every time Leonard returns to the courtroom, he and the Clippers should decide the perfect path towards preserving him wholesome long run, together with doubtlessly sitting out back-to-back video games.
“I really feel good,” Leonard stated Oct. 5. “Simply been taking my time, getting stronger and preparing.
“We’re simply taking it gradual, daily and simply attempting to get me again on the ground. As soon as these conversations come, we’ll see what they’re speaking about [on the best approach for back-to-backs].”
The Clippers play the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 23 within the Intuit Dome’s first regular-season basketball recreation.