Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers are gearing up for a showdown against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets at the Intuit Dome tonight. It's the beginning of a back-to-back stretch for the Clippers, who will also clash with the Los Angeles Lakers tomorrow.
The Clippers have turned their season around, boasting a 26-28 record after a rough 6-21 start. This resurgence has been spearheaded by none other than Kawhi Leonard. With his history of injuries and the upcoming back-to-back games, fans are eager to see if Leonard will be on the court.
Leonard has appeared in 41 of the Clippers' 54 games this season. He missed 10 games in November due to a sprained ankle against the Miami Heat and was sidelined for three games in January because of knee swelling from a tough hit in a game against the Detroit Pistons.
Good news for Clippers fans-Leonard isn't on the injury report for tonight's matchup against the Nuggets and is expected to play. However, given the back-to-back schedule and his significant minutes in the NBA All-Star Game, the team is likely to manage his playing time carefully.
Leonard logged 34 out of 36 possible minutes for Team Stripes in the All-Star Game. Head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized, “He's on his minutes restriction.
We have to be smart about it. We can't push him too hard.
As much as he wants to play more, we know we have to manage his load carefully.”
In his 41 games this season, Leonard is delivering impressive numbers: 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He's shooting 49.1% from the field, 38.3% from beyond the arc, and 91.2% from the free-throw line. His scoring average is a career-high, and his steals lead the league.
The Clippers and Nuggets will tip off their first game after the All-Star break at 7:30 PM PST.