Clippers Receive Dreadful News Ahead of Crucial Game 5 vs. Mavericks

The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off a tough 116-111 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 to even up the series at 2-2. The Clippers received incredible performances from Paul George and James Harden, who both scored 33 points each and were lights out from beyond the arc.

After coming off a thrilling win in Dallas, the Clippers were hoping to have star Kawhi Leonard back on the floor for a pivotal Game 5 on Wednesday night. 

However, it seems as if Los Angeles will have to go to battle without their two-way star forward once again.

Clippers head coach Ty Lue told reporters on Tuesday that Leonard is out for Game 5, per ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.

Leonard played in Game 3 last week, where he had nine points, nine rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes. He also played in Game 2, producing 15 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and two assists in 35 minutes.

The 32-year-old forward didn’t look like himself in the Clippers’ Game 3 loss as he continues to battle with knee inflammation. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told reporters last week that Leonard won’t return to action until he can show that he can move the way he needs to.

Without Leonard, the Clippers will need another herculean effort from George and Harden as they try to take a commanding 3-2 series lead. Los Angeles is currently three-point underdogs against Dallas for Game 4.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change