NBA Odds: Clippers Limit Leonard after Knee Procedure

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NBA Odds: Clippers Limit Kawhi Leonard After Knee Procedure

The  Los Angeles Clippers are hoping for a different campaign this season. They want their sole star, Kawhi Leonard, to be at 100%, especially after losing their other star, Paul George, who has moved to the East. With the debut of their new arena, the team is poised to make a splash in the league. However, they appear more limited than last year, raising questions for bettors about their performance in the NBA Odds this season.

Health Concerns Before the Season

The Los Angeles Clippers have announced that their star, Kawhi Leonard, will be restricted from certain activities during training camp due to ongoing issues with his right knee. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president, revealed that Leonard underwent a procedure on his knee during the offseason.

Focusing on Recovery

Frank emphasized the importance of caring for Leonard’s health: while the player wants to participate in everything, they plan to limit his training activities to focus on strengthening his knee. The goal is for him to be at 100% and have a great season, not just this year but for many more. Leonard recently signed a three-year, $149,650,000 contract with the LA Clippers on January 10, 2024, with a cap hit ranging from $49,350,000 to $50,300,000.

Despite the decrease in swelling in Leonard’s knee, there’s no guarantee he will be ready for the season opener, scheduled for October 23 against the Suns at the new Intuit Dome.

Injury History and the Road to Recovery

Leonard has struggled with knee injuries in previous seasons, affecting his playing time. In the 2023 playoffs, he played only two of the six first-round games due to inflammation. USA Basketball’s concern regarding his condition led to his exclusion from the Olympic camp.

With only 68 games played last season, Leonard achieved his best record since 2016-17. The Clippers hope that with the proper attention, Leonard can return solid and ready to compete in the upcoming season.

At 33 years old, the veteran has missed many games in recent campaigns due to health issues. Leonard has missed 51% of games over the last five years and has played only 28 postseason games for his team in that same timeframe.