Kawhi Leonard, the star player of the Los Angeles Clippers, will be sitting out Game 5 of their intense first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. This news comes as a blow to the Clippers, who are fighting to advance in the NBA playoffs.

Leonard’s Absence in Game 5

This will be the third game that Leonard has missed during this series. The Clippers managed to secure a victory in Game 4 against the Mavericks on Sunday, evening out their first-round series 2-2. However, Leonard’s absence raises concerns about the team’s performance without their key player.

Kawhi Leonard’s Knee Inflammation

The reason behind Leonard’s absence in Game 5 is attributed to knee inflammation. Clippers’ owner Lawrence Frank announced that there is no clear timeline for his return. This setback for Leonard and the Clippers has sparked discussions about the impact it may have on the outcome of the series.

Unfortunate Timing for Leonard

The timing of Leonard’s injury is especially unfortunate for the Clippers. He had already missed the final eight games of the regular season due to a knee injury. With the series becoming more intense and physical, Leonard’s health is crucial for the Clippers’ success.

Questioning Leonard’s Extension

Some are starting to question the recent $152 million extension that Leonard signed with the Clippers, particularly in light of his recurring postseason injuries. This latest setback adds fuel to the debate about whether the investment in Leonard’s long-term contract was wise.

The Importance of Game 5

Game 5 against the Mavericks is a pivotal moment for the Clippers. They will need to find a way to compensate for Leonard’s absence in order to secure a win and regain the lead in the series. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams moving forward in the playoffs.

• Kawhi Leonard to miss Game 5 of Clippers vs. Mavericks series
• Knee inflammation sidelines Leonard for the third game
• Clippers won Game 4, but concerns arise without Leonard
• No clear timeline for Leonard’s return
• Timing of the injury raises questions about Leonard’s recent extension
• Game 5 is crucial for both teams’ playoff aspirations

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