Kawhi Leonard’s Back spasms are the latest injury concern for the Los Angeles Clippers. The All-Star forward left the Clippers’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday after the first quarter, and his status for the team’s upcoming two-game road trip is in question.
“I hope so,” Clippers head coach Ty Lue said when asked if Leonard would accompany the team to play the Chicago Bulls And New Orleans Pelicans.
Leonard did not participate in the Clippers’ loss to the Milwaukee Bucks Sunday with left groin soreness, but was back in the starting lineup Tuesday to face the Wolves. He got off to a strong start, recording six points, two rebounds and two assists in the first quarter, as the Clippers jumped out to an early double-digit lead, but couldn’t continue.
In fact, his back spasms were so severe that he left the arena and returned home where he would be more comfortable, according to TNT. Cameras filmed him slowly exiting the tunnel.
“I didn’t know if he was going to go this morning,” Lue said. “But he came shooting, got treatment, did what he had to do and tried to get on the court and play today. It just didn’t relax for him.”
As of right now, Leonard doesn’t appear to be facing a long absence, but there’s still added worry about a return issue. Leonard’s numerous injuries only add to the concern. The 58 games he has played this season are already the most he has ever played since signing with the Clippers in 2019. During that time, he suffered a torn ACL and a torn meniscus.
The Clippers were borderline unbeatable midway through the season, but have slowed down in recent weeks. Tuesday’s loss was the second in a row, and they are now 5-6 since the All-Star break. Even more worrying, they are 1-6 against teams with a winning record and 4-0 against teams headed to the lottery.
As a result, they are now 3.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder And Denver Nuggets, and essentially out of the race for first place in the Western Conference. The biggest concern now is holding off the New Orleans Pelicans for fourth place and home-field advantage in the first round. Although the Clippers currently have a two-game lead, the teams face each other on Friday and the Pelicans can seal the season series with a win.
If Leonard can’t make the trip, it would be bad news for the Clippers.
