DALLAS — The LA Clippers will try to keep their season alive without Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard was officially ruled out for Game 6 in Dallas on Friday. The Clippers are facing a 3-2 shutout in the best-of-seven series against the Dallas Mavericks.
Unlike the first-round series between the two teams in 2021, when Leonard scored 45 points to help the Clippers avoid a shutout in Game 6 in Dallas, LA won’t have its franchise player trying to force the Game 7 this time.
The All-Star will miss his third straight game since playing limited minutes in Game 3 due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.
Guard Terrance Manna key player for the Clippers, was also added to the injury report as questionable with a lower right leg sprain.
In Wednesday’s Game 5, the Clippers suffered their worst postseason loss in franchise history, 123-93, without Leonard.
βWe’re not sure when he’s going to be back,β Clippers coach Ty Lue said before Game 5. βIt’s day-to-day and when he feels good and the medical guys say it’s clear to go, that’s what we’re going to do. “
After missing the final eight games of the regular season and Game 1 of the series, Leonard returned and logged 35 minutes, scoring 15 points in Game 2. But Leonard said his knee didn’t respond the way he had hoped. Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, said Leonard developed swelling. The two-time Finals MVP sat out 25 minutes and had nine points and nine rebounds, but clearly wasn’t his normal self in Game 3. Frank announced Sunday that Leonard will be out until he can move like he did in Game 2, and his return is uncertain.
If the Clippers even the series in Dallas on Friday, Game 7 will be Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.