NBA Injury Report: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George still out, more updates on Bojan Bogdanovic and Immanuel Quickley | November 29, 2022
Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers has been ruled out for the fourth straight game. Leonard will miss the Clippers' game against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.
“The Claw” has played just five out of the Clippers’ 21 games this season. He returned from a lengthy layoff for the game against the Utah Jazz on November 21 but rolled his ankle in that game. Leonard played 23 minutes and contributed just eight points and five assists in the Clippers’ win.
He told the media after the game that he was fine and that he didn’t expect to be sidelined again. The right ankle sprain may have been severe enough for the Clippers to keep him out of the team’s last four games.
Kawhi Leonard hasn’t gotten any rhythm this season as he has either been injured or has sat out due to load management. When he's played, it’s usually been around 23 minutes per game. He is averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
Paul George has also been ruled out of the game against the Blazers. George is dealing with a right hamstring strain which he suffered on November 19 versus the San Antonio Spurs.
He will also be sidelined against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, meaning the seven-time NBA All-Star will miss six straight games for the Clippers.
George carried the LA Clippers while Kawhi Leonard was sidelined. He's averaged 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 16 games.
Amir Coffey, Terance Mann, Nic Batum and Norman Powell have been afforded more playing time in the absence of two of the NBA's best players. With Luke Kennard and John Wall also ruled out, Robert Covington could also see his minutes increase tonight.
Bojan Bogdanovic: Right knee and ankle soreness; Injured since November 25, 2022
Bojan Bogdanovic of the Detroit Pistons has been listed as questionable for tonight's game against the New York Knicks. “Bogey” complained of pain in his right ankle and knee after the Pistons’ loss to the Phoenix Suns last Friday.
Bogdanovic played 33 minutes in that game and finished with a team-high 19 points to go with four rebounds and three assists. The Croat has been in great form since Cade Cunningham was sidelined with a shin injury.
In the absence of the No. 1 pick from the 2021 NBA Draft, Bogdanovic has carried the Pistons. He is averaging 22.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 34.0 minutes per game minus Cunningham.
If he sits out tonight, he could be available on Thursday when the Detroit Pistons host the Dallas Mavericks.
Immanuel Quickley: Sore right knee: Injured since November 27, 2022
The New York Knicks could be without Immanuel Quickley tonight against the Detroit Pistons. Quickley did not play in the second half of the Knicks’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies. New York’s backup shooting guard played only nine minutes and scored six points and added three rebounds and two assists.
The former Kentucky standout has provided quality minutes for Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. He’s been playing as a combo guard for the team and has averaged 9.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 20 games.
If he’s sidelined tonight, he could return against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.