LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard Dealing with 'Knee Inflammation' Before Dallas Mavs Playoff Matchup

Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard continues to deal with knee inflammation before facing the Mavs in the playoffs.

Mar 29, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives around Orlando / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are locked into a first-round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Kawhi Leonard's injury status remains a development to monitor, as he's missed seven consecutive games due to knee inflammation.

Leonard has appeared in 68 games this season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. It's by far the most regular season games he's played since joining the Clippers, with each of his three prior seasons featuring totals below the 60-game threshold.

Mar 29, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives around Orlando / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Clippers president Lawrence Frank told reporters that Leonard is working through inflammation in his knee, which is making it more challenging to make "natural basketball moves."

"With Kawhi, he's dealing with inflammation," Frank said. "It's no secret he's had a couple of surgeries to that knee. It's not uncommon over the course of it where you deal with inflammation. With inflammation, it limits your ability to make some natural basketball moves, so he's working his tail off, the staff is working their tail off to try to help with the inflammation."

Before the Clippers' loss against the Utah Jazz on Friday, coach Tyronn Lue described Leonard as progressing in his recovery without reason to be concerned about his status for Game 1 against the Mavs.

"Just day-to-day. He's progressing," Lue said. "He's feeling better."

It remains to be seen what Leonard's injury status will truly be when it's time for the Clippers and Mavs to face off in the playoffs for the third tim ein the Luka Doncic era.

The NBA has yet to release the date for Game 1 of the Mavs-Clippers series, but the first round officially begins on Apr. 20 with some teams set to play on Apr. 21. The series will begin in Crypto.com Arena.