Leonard to Sit Out Remaining Road Games; Timberwolves Lose Reid; Christie Lifts Mavericks
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LOS ANGELES — The LA Clippers have sent Kawhi Leonard back home for treatment on his left knee, ruling him out of Monday’s matchup in Washington and Tuesday’s game in Chicago, the club announced.
The forward missed Friday’s overtime win in Toronto with a right ankle sprain and a left-knee contusion and is now experiencing knee irritation. League insider Chris Haynes reported the issue is not considered serious. Leonard picked up the contusion on Jan. 10 in Detroit and will be re-evaluated when the Clippers return Wednesday.
Los Angeles is 3-8 without Leonard this season. With him in the lineup, the team has rebounded from a 6-21 start by going 12-2, moving back into play-in position. Through 30 appearances, Leonard is averaging a career-best 28.2 points along with 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.2 steals while shooting nearly 50 percent. Two-way players Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller are expected to continue receiving extended minutes during his absence.
Timberwolves
Minnesota forward Naz Reid exited Saturday’s loss in San Antonio after just five minutes because of soreness in his left shoulder. The team has not indicated whether the injury will sideline him beyond that game. Reid had averaged 21.5 points over his previous four outings while filling in for Rudy Gobert.
Mavericks
Dallas guard Max Christie returned from a two-game illness and scored 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting in an 18-point victory over Utah. He added four assists, two rebounds and two steals and finished plus-29 in 26 minutes. “He’s one of our best shooters and most athletic guys, but we missed him on the defensive end, too,” coach Jason Kidd said.
Source: Hoops Wire
