Clippers coach Ty Lue announced that Kawhi Leonard will be available to play in Game 2 of the Western Conference playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Leonard has missed the last nine games due to right knee inflammation, but Lue said he is ready to return after practicing with the team last week and completing all necessary medical check-ups.
Lue was asked if Leonard would face any minutes restrictions in Game 2, and Lue said they would gauge how he feels during the game. The Clippers currently hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the Mavericks after winning Game 1 on Sunday without Leonard in the lineup.
Leonard has not played in a game since March 31 at Charlotte, but Lue said he is excited to have his star player back on the court. “Defensively, what he brings to the table defensively,” Lue said about what Leonard will add in Game 2. “Rebound the basketball. He could be a little rusty offensively, but he still is going to be able to make shots and be who he is. So, we’ll see when the game starts.”
Leonard averaged 23.7 points per game in the 68 regular-season games he played in this season, along with 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He shot 52.5 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range.
