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Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight vs Dallas Mavericks? Clippers release injury report for 2-time Finals MVP ahead of game against Luka Doncic and co

Samir Mehdi
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Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight vs Dallas Mavericks? Clippers release injury report for 2-time Finals MVP ahead of game against Luka Doncic and co

Is Kawhi Leonard available to play tonight for the Los Angeles Clippers against the Dallas Mavericks?

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.

Also Read: ‘Not sure I have ever seen a face move like this’: New angle of Kawhi Leonard’s ‘bloody’ face injury explains why he got 8 stitches

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.

Also Read: ‘Congratulations, Clippers, for being 2x Opening Night champions’: Shannon Sharpe bodies Kawhi Leonard and co despite win over LeBron James and Lakers

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.

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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