It’s his 12th year in the league and almost everyone in the NBA community might be aware of the fact that Kawhi Leonard hasn’t played more than 75 games in any of the seasons.
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Having already missed 22 games, the 6ft 7′ forward is on the course of not even playing 50 games in the 2022-23 season. He has missed almost two full seasons as well – one just this past season and the 2017-18 season with the Spurs where he could play just 9 games.
But, when you take on the risk to lead with The Klaw, you always have that risk. And the Raptors showed the league the best way to do it in 2018-19.
Tonight the Clippers face Leonard’s former team whom he led to the ultimate glory, will he be available to get them a start on a winning streak? Let’s find out.
Will Kawhi Leonard play against the Toronto Raptors tonight?
The Clippers wouldn’t have liked traveling to Toronto for a back-to-back game, even though they had to play an 8-27 Pistons last night. However, an overtime game awaited them in Detroit, which they got through with a 142-131 win. Courtesy Paul George’s 32-point double-double.
They won it without Kawhi Leonard, who played before Christmas against the Philadelphia 76ers. There are no specific updates from the LA team on Leonard yet, so he should be playing tonight.
Kawhi Leonard is OUT tomorrow vs. the Pistons, setting him up to play on Tuesday against the Raptors.
No one else is listed for the Clippers.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 25, 2022
How has been Leonard’s recent form?
Before last night’s absence, the 2x Finals MVP featured in 5 of the Clippers’ 6 games helping them win 4 of them where he averaged close to 24 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal per game which is consistent with all his (5) All-Star seasons thus far.
However, for the season he is averaging just over 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists which is a bit concerning if his minutes as well as games going forward are to be restricted. Which we are sure, will be.
But anyway, that comes with the luxury of having The Klaw in your squad. Just hang in until the Playoffs and keep him fit, you will have a shot at the title, regardless of where and how you finished the season.
