Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard ruled out for Game 4 against Phoenix Suns

The Los Angeles Clippers’ postseason hopes have taken a major hit, as Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns. Leonard missed Game 3 with a right knee sprain, and the Clippers nearly pulled off a shock victory without him and the already injured Paul George. However, Leonard’s absence for a second straight game represents a huge obstacle for the Clippers, who are down 2-1 in their first-round series against the Suns.

Leonard’s injury and its impact on the Clippers

Kawhi Leonard had been playing some of his best basketball this season, averaging 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game in the first two games of the series. His injury puts the Clippers in a familiar situation of being without their star players in crucial playoff games. Leonard missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a right ACL tear, and his recent knee sprain has added to the Clippers’ concerns. Without Leonard and George, the Clippers will need others to step up if they are to overcome the Suns in this series.

Clippers’ struggles in the postseason

The Clippers’ recent playoff failures have been defined more by who’s not playing than who is. In the 2020 playoffs, Leonard was instrumental in leading the team to their first-ever conference finals appearance, but they ultimately fell short due to injuries. In the 2021 playoffs, Leonard’s injury in the second round against the Utah Jazz ended their championship hopes. The Clippers are hoping history doesn’t repeat itself in this year’s playoffs.

Other players need to step up

With Leonard and George out, the Clippers will need other players to step up if they want to stay alive in this series. Norman Powell led the team with 42 points in Game 3, and Russell Westbrook contributed 30 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds. Marcus Morris Sr. and Reggie Jackson will also need to step up their performances if the Clippers are to have a chance against the Suns. The Clippers will need to find a way to overcome the odds and avoid elimination in Game 4.

Game 4 details

Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 p.m. PT at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. The Clippers will need a win to tie the series and avoid falling into a 3-1 hole. It remains to be seen if they can overcome the odds and keep their championship aspirations alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the history and current roster of the Los Angeles Clippers?

  The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They were founded in 1970 and have since made several playoff appearances. As of the 2021-2022 season, their roster includes players such as Paul George, Reggie Jackson, and Marcus Morris Sr. More information about their history and current roster can be found on their official website or on their Wikipedia page.

• What is the history and current roster of the Phoenix Suns?

  The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They were founded in 1968 and have since made several playoff appearances, including several NBA Finals appearances. As of the 2021-2022 season, their roster includes players such as Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton. More information about their history and current roster can be found on their official website or on their Wikipedia page.

• What is the injury status and career statistics of Kawhi Leonard?

  Kawhi Leonard is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. He has won several awards, including two NBA Finals MVP awards. As of the 2021-2022 season, he is recovering from a right knee sprain and has missed several games as a result. More information about his injury status and career statistics can be found on his official NBA player page or on his Wikipedia page.

• Why is Paul George expected to miss the entire series?

  Paul George is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. It is unclear why he is expected to miss the entire series, but it could be due to an injury or personal reasons. More information about his status can be found on the official NBA website or on his official NBA player page.

• What is the Crypto.com Arena, and where is it located?

  The Crypto.com Arena is an indoor arena located in downtown Los Angeles, California. It is home to several sports teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Kings. It has a capacity of