Reports: Kawhi Leonard & Paul George are listed out for LA Clippers for next two games
The All-Star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was expected to ball out this season after being on the sidelines for most of last season. Still, due to injury, both swingmen have been in and out of the lineup, which has led to the clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">LA Clippers' 12-9 start.
The Clippers are currently on a two-game road trip, facing the Portland Trail Blazers (11-9) on Tuesday and the Utah Jazz (12-11) on Wednesday. In both matchups, Los Angeles will be without Leonard and George.
The Clippers say Kawhi will miss the next two games against the Blazers and Jazz.
That is now 18 out of 23 games missed this season. https://t.co/OsYyECeCvY
For Leonard, he's still under restrictions after coming off an ACL injury, which he rehabbed all last season.
George, on the other hand, has been listed as out as he tries to get better from his hamstring tendon strain. He suffered the injury against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Additionally, Luke Kennard is also out for the Clippers, as he's suffering from a right shoulder strain.
Clippers confirm that Kawhi Leonard is not on the Portland-Utah trip.
Saturday night vs Kings could be the return of all three of Leonard, Paul George, and Luke Kennard.
The Clippers once brought all 3 back from injury in the same home game before: February 19, 2021 vs Jazz twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU…
The stars' health has played a huge part in the Clippers' play this season. Many expected the Clippers to be the biggest threat out in the West, but it hasn't been that way for the squad.
Aside from the ACL injury that Leonard and the Clippers have been monitoring, he's also dealt with ankle sprains this season.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are both important to the team's success. Without them, the Clippers might become a bottom-seeded team.
Also read: Paul George gives Clippers owner Steve Ballmer a positive update on his knee injury: “A little soreness… I’m OK”
The absence of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George has affected the team's success greatly
When the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George became a possibility in 2019, people expected great things from the two stars. They were coming off impressive seasons that defined their careers.
First, Leonard joined the Clippers after winning the NBA title, his second, with the Toronto Raptors. Second, George just came off an incredible defensive season in which he led the league in steals with the OKC Thunder. Both were expected to do unbelievable things for Los Angeles.
Now in their fourth season, the Clippers haven't achieved much with the two stars. Both wing players have suffered various injuries that have kept them from playing 100%. The most notable example of this is Leonard's ACL tear, which he spent an entire season rehabbing, only to be on the sidelines again for the start of this season. He's played five of 21 games so far.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are both being relied upon by the front office, but they haven't held up their end of the bargain. Now, it's up to the the role players to keep their season alive in the tough Western Conference.
Also read: “Last night he looked rusty, rustier than I expected” – NBA analyst criticizes Kawhi Leonard’s sluggish comeback game