LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard has yet to practice five-on-five with the Los Angeles Clippers as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
Leonard hasn’t played in a game since March 31 because of inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. The best-of-7 series begins Sunday in Los Angeles.
“I’m preparing to have him on the court,” coach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday. “We just take it day-by-day. He’s getting better and we’ll see how much he continues to progress.”
Lue apologized to the media for his obvious frustration at repeated questions about Leonard’s health. The team hasn’t made Leonard available to speak for himself.
Teammate Norman Powell demurred when asked how Leonard looked after his limited participation in Tuesday’s practice.
“That’s not on me to answer, man,” he said. “I let the organization and the coach talk about the status of Kawhi.”
Leonard played in 68 games during the regular season, the most since 2016-17 when he appeared in 74 with the San Antonio Spurs and the most since joining the Clippers four years ago. The All-Star forward averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
US probe of Hondas that can activate emergency braking for no reason moves closer to a recall
Texas A&M Commerce wide receiver Keith Miller III is found dead at 23 near the Dallas
Super Tuesday: What is it and why is it so important?
Jim Harbaugh takes fans inside his RV! New Chargers coach, who earns $16m
NZ to give $6m in humanitarian aid to Sudan and Gaza
Colin Firth's Pride and Prejudice wet shirt up for auction
Monica Garcia's baby daddy revealed to be Braxton Knight, 29
Dubai rain: Why experts don't think cloud seeding played a role
Penny Lancaster, 53, showcases her endless legs in a thigh
Man up for parole more than 2 decades after Dartmouth College professor stabbing deaths
Conan O'Brien reveals the WORST 'amateur move' a talk