Clippers' Kawhi Leonard to Return from Injury vs. Luka, Mavs in NBA Playoffs Game 2

Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard will make his return from a knee injury in Game 2 of the team's first-round series against Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, head coach Ty Lue told reporters.

Leonard was forced to miss Game 1 of Los Angeles' first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee, extending his absence to nine straight games dating back to the regular season.

Leonard hasn't played since March 31, but Lue recently said he's done more shooting and movement during recent practices, leaving the door open for his return to the court.

"I'm not sure," Lue told reporters when asked whether this could be a multiple-game absence for Leonard in the first round. "He's progressing. He's been on the floor the last couple days. We're just taking it day by day."

This is the second straight postseason that Leonard has been injured, as he sat out the final three games of last year's first-round series against the Phoenix Suns due to a torn meniscus. The Clippers have had just one full postseason with both Leonard and Paul George healthy, and it happened way back in 2020.

Leonard appeared in 68 games this season, his most since the 2016-17 campaign when he was with the San Antonio Spurs. He led Los Angeles with 23.7 points and 1.6 steals while also adding 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He received the 12th and final roster spot on Team USA for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

With Leonard set to return to the lineup, he'll help George and James Harden shoulder the scoring load against the Mavs. George and Leonard combined for 50 points in a 109-97 Game 1 win.

The Clippers are hoping to take a 2-0 lead when they take the floor on Tuesday night.