Is Kawhi Leonard playing today? Mavericks at Clippers injury update for April 23

On Sunday afternoon, the Dallas Mavericks began their highly-anticipated first-round series against the LA Clippers on the road.

This was Dallas' return to the playoffs after missing them last season, and everyone couldn't wait to see Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the floor together for a playoff game.

Game 1 didn't go according to plan as the Mavs lost 109-97, and the Clippers took a 1-0 series lead without Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard missed Sunday's game against the Mavs with knee inflammation, and he is in jeopardy of missing more time.

Kawhi Leonard's status for Mavericks at Clippers on April 23

According to the Clippers injury report, Leonard is listed as questionable against the Mavericks tonight with knee inflammation. Leonard got an injection in that knee earlier in April, but he hasn't been able to ramp up activity enough for a return.

Update: Kawhi Leonard will play tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.

When it comes to practicing, Leonard still hasn't done any five-on-five work and all of his work has been non-contact. Leonard went through Clippers practice yesterday, but it was reported that yesterday's practice was more of a "walkthrough practice" in preparation for tonight's game.

In my opinion (no outside sources were used), I would be incredibly shocked if Leonard plays tonight. The Clippers have a 1-0 series lead and there's no reason to rush someone back who hasn't played in nearly a month with someting as serious as a knee injury.

Leonard has had multiple injuries in this same knee in the past, and they likely want to see how the knee responds after a full practice before throwing him into game action. I think Leonard playing tonight would shock everyone, and him returning later in the series is much more likely.

The uncertainty surrounding Leonard's knee is concerning, and the Mavs have to take advantage of the Clippers not being at full strength.

Dallas Mavericks' full injury report vs LA Clippers on April 23

The Dallas Mavericks have no players listed on their injury report ahead of tonight's game against the LA Clippers. Everyone is available and ready to go.

The only player listed with an injury on the LA Clippers injury report is Kawhi Leonard who is questionable with right knee inflammation.

Both teams are at full strength outside of Leonard.

Dallas Mavericks' upcoming playoff schedule against LA Clippers

After Dallas' loss on Sunday night, the Mavs trail the Clippers 1-0 in the series. Here's a look at the remaining schedule for the rest of the series.

- April 23, 2024 - @ LA Clippers
- April 26, 2024 - vs LA Clippers
- April 28, 2024 - vs LA Clippers
- May 1, 2024 - @ LA Clippers (if necessary)
- May 3, 2024 - vs LA Clippers (if necessary)
- May 5, 2024 - @ LA Clippers (if necessary)

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers series as well as injury updates on Kawhi Leonard, stay tuned as we'll have you covered with all the latest.