Will Kawhi Leonard play in Game 6 between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns? The forward’s injury status still looms large over the series.
The Clippers and Suns NBA Playoff series will continue on Wednesday with Game 6 in Los Angeles. The big question: Will Kawhi Leonard play?
The simple answer is: It’s not clear yet.
LA has played Leonard’s injury close to the vest. As of Monday night, after the Clippers won Game 5, there was no official update on the star forward.
Will Kawhi Leonard play in Game 6 for the Clippers against the Suns?
The fact that Leonard didn’t travel to Phoenix for Game 5 probably doesn’t bode well for his participation in Game 6.
Still, the Clippers haven’t officially ruled him out.
The closer it gets to game time on Wednesday, the more will be revealed.
Leonard has missed seven games of playoff action. Before his injury, he averaged 30.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
While his absence has certainly hurt the Clippers, Paul George and company have admirably kept the team alive.
LA finished their four-game winning run to close out the series against the Jazz despite missing Leonard for the final two games. They lost Game 1, 2 and 4 to the Suns in the Western Conference Finals. However, George powered his team to victories in Games 3 and 5.
Most recently, George had a playoff career-high 41 points to stave off elimination. The guard is averaging 26.4 points per game in the postseason and has only lifted his game since Leonard went out.
As impressive as it has been to see George and company fight for their playoff lives, LA’s hopes of advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time likely depend on getting their star back.
Every game the Clippers extend the series gives Leonard more time to make a return.