2 min read • April 20, 2023
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Update: The Clippers have ruled out Kawhi Leonard for Saturday's Game 4. Video review of the injury did not reveal a significant knee sprain. The hope is Leonard can return for Game 5 on Tuesday, but he has been known to play it cautious with injuries in the past.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was a surprise rule out ahead of Game 3 with a right knee sprain, but the Pro Basketball Docs have optimism he can be available for Game 4.
By video, Leonard appeared to suffer the right knee sprain on this play at the end of the third quarter.
The injury mechanism involved was minor and if all goes well Leonard should be available for Game 4 on Saturday, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
Leonard winced after colliding with center Jock Landale on a screen while guarding Kevin Durant, but remained in the game and poured in 13 points on 5-9 shooting in the fourth quarter of Game 1.
He played through the injury two days later and had 31 points in 39 minutes in the Game 2 loss, a good indication that tonight’s absence is precautionary and his knee injury is minor.
The injury is reportedly unrelated to his previous ACL tear in the same knee and a video review of the game supports that.
Leonard missed all of the 2021-22 season while recovering from his June 14, 2021 ACL tear. He played in just 7 of the first 26 games to start this season, but finished the season playing in 47 of the final 58.
The Clippers are also down All-Star forward Paul George, who is recovering from a right knee hyperextension he suffered on March 21.
Based on recent video, George is progressing well in his recovery but will not be available until Round 2 at the earliest.
With the series tied 1-1, the Suns are favored by 7.5 points on the road in Game 3 and the over/under is 225, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Clippers are +460 to win the series, while the Suns are -620.
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