The Dallas Mavericks’ hopes of stealing home-court advantage in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers were dashed on Sunday, as the Clippers emerged victorious despite the absence of star forward Kawhi Leonard. However, the Mavericks will have their work cut out for them in Game 2 on Tuesday night, as Leonard is set to make his return to the lineup.
Leonard, a two-time Finals MVP, has been sidelined since March 31 due to right knee inflammation. His status for Game 1 was questionable, but the Clippers announced on Monday that he had participated in shootaround and would be available for Game 2.
When healthy, Leonard has been a dominant force for the Clippers this season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. In the playoffs, he has averaged 21.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game in 137 contests.
The Mavericks will need to find a way to contain Leonard if they want to even the series in Game 2. The 31-year-old forward is one of the best two-way players in the NBA, and he can impact the game in a variety of ways.
The Mavericks will also need to take advantage of Leonard’s absence from the lineup in Game 1. The Clippers were clearly a different team without their star forward, and the Mavericks should try to exploit that weakness in Game 2.
Game 2 between the Mavericks and Clippers is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. The series is tied 1-0.
