Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard hasn’t played yet in the Western Conference finals, and it doesn’t appear he’ll return for Game 5 on Monday. Sources tell Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that it’s “highly unlikely” Leonard will make the trip to Phoenix.
Leonard is recovering from a right knee injury that he suffered June 14 against Utah. He didn’t accompany the Clippers for the opening two games of the series against the Suns, and there are concerns that air travel would be harmful to the knee, according to Haynes.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, coach Tyronn Lue said Leonard, who has been ruled out of Game 4, continues to offer advice to his teammates and has been “a lot more vocal” since the injury, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
The news is better for Clippers teammate Marcus Morris, who has been cleared to play in Game 4, Youngmisuk adds. Morris, who is also dealing with a knee issue, was a game-time decision on Thursday.
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