On April 19, Beijing time, NBA Hall of Fame Shams revealed that Clippers star Leonard had an injection into his knee, which helped him relieve inflammation. Also today, Clippers President Frank was interviewed, and he declined to disclose the details of the injection treatment, Frank said: "Xiaoka's knee has improved, but the inflammation is still there. ”
In the early morning of April 22, Beijing time, the series G1 between the Clippers and the Mavericks started, and Xiaoka is currently officially listed as doubtful (50%). When asked by reporters if the Clippers deliberately concealed the injury of the Clippers, Frank responded: "The inflammation is unpredictable, no one is more frustrated than the Clippers, he wants to play, and we want him to play." ”
At the same time, Frank said: "The inflammation of Xiaoka's right knee has been going on for almost three weeks. It's no secret that he's had several surgeries on his knee, so it's normal for him to have knee inflammation. If there's a serious risk of injury, we're not going to let the card play. All in all, it is still possible to play in the series G1 small card. ”
The Clippers are still hiding the details of Jr.Ka's injury. Clippers reporter Farbod Esnashari couldn't help but tweet: "One important thing I've learned from the injury news is to never publish anything precise. As much as Clippers fans are curious to know, this is by no means a simple injury report. “
Farbod Esnaashari for example: In the 2021 Western Conference semifinals, after the G4 between the Clippers and Jazz, Leonard suffered a torn cruciate ligament and was out for the season. But the Clippers still put him on a playoff daily watch list (with the potential to play). Playing the Suns in the playoffs last year, Jr. suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, but the Clippers have always said he sprained his knee.
After the Clippers played G2 with the Suns, he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, and the team doctor told him that he could not play again, and he was already out for the season at that time. But the news released by the Clippers to the outside world is not a big problem, and Xiaoka may still be able to play. In the next G3-G5, many fans did not confirm that Xiaoka could not play until before the game.
It's a similar story this time, with Jr. missing eight consecutive regular season games due to injury. Other players are reported to be out for a period of time, such as 3 weeks or 4 weeks, or re-evaluated after a few weeks. But the Clippers have been listing Leonard as a daily observer this time, and it has been more than half a month since April 3.
Tyronn Lue revealed that he has not yet participated in 5v5 training. Therefore, whether Xiaoka can play G1 or not, may only be known on the day of the game. Leonard played in 68 regular season games this season, averaging 34.3 minutes per game, scoring 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks while shooting 52.5%, 41.7% and 88.5% from three.
Leonard had the best season of his Clippers career: his total appearances, points, rebounds, steals, blocks, shooting percentage, and three-point percentage were all career highs for the Clippers. Clippers fans also have high expectations for this season, but they didn't expect that in the final stage of the regular season, Xiaoka was injured. His health determines how far the Clippers can go.
In January of this year, the Clippers extended Leonard's contract early for a three-year, $152.4 million contract. Three months have passed, and the Clippers still haven't signed George. This summer, George and Westbrook were able to jump out of their contracts and become free agents. In addition, Harden's contract is also expiring this summer. Will the Big Four disintegrate?
Final question: If Leonard can play, do you think the Clippers can get past the Mavericks?