Is Kawhi Leonard available to play tonight for the Los Angeles Clippers against the Dallas Mavericks?
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The Los Angeles Clippers faced off against their 2020 Western Conference Semi-Finals opponents on Christmas Day. The Clippers were able to exact their revenge on the Nuggets as the Nuggets fell 121-108 to the Clippers.
Despite the Clippers win, this wasn’t the story that made headlines. Around the six minute mark of the 4th quarter, both Kawhi Leonard and teammate Serge Ibaka went up to grab a rebound off a Nuggets miss.
However, this did not end well for the 2x Finals MVP as Ibaka’s elbow hit Kawhi’s face with enough force to cause blood to gush out immediately. Kawhi was taken to the locker room and did not return to finish the game.
What is the status of Kawhi Leonard going into the Dallas Mavericks game this Sunday?
Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN reported that Kawhi Leonard received 8 stitches, warranted by the elbow to his face. It is now being reported that Kawhi Leonard is being listed as questionable for Sunday afternoon’s bout against Luka and the Mavs.
His availability for the game can really go either way. It will most probably be a game-time decision, depending on how Kawhi feels and what the Clippers doctors feel should be done in order to preserve the 29 year old’s health.
Kawhi Leonard (mouth laceration) is QUESTIONABLE to play for the Clippers tomorrow vs. the Mavs.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 27, 2020
The Clippers need to stay cautious as the stitches have most probably not been given much time to heal. A slight agitation to that part of his mouth could result in the stitches opening up.
Kawhi had 21 points on 57% shooting from the field in 30 minutes of action. He also dished out 7 assists while grabbing 5 boards. He definitely looked like leading the Clippers to another win before the shot to his face put paid to his chances of finishing the game.
