Clippers monitor Kawhi Leonard’s ankle, plan for upcoming trip
clippers-leonard-ankle-injury-road-trip-update
The Los Angeles Clippers held Kawhi Leonard out of Monday’s 119–115 loss to the San Antonio Spurs because of a left ankle sprain, labeling the forward day-to-day. Leonard, originally listed as doubtful before being ruled out, will travel with the club on its three-game road swing that starts Wednesday in New Orleans, according to The Orange County Register.
Los Angeles faces the Pelicans on Wednesday and Thursday, then visits Dallas on Saturday. Leonard must appear in at least one of those contests to remain eligible for end-of-season awards under league participation rules.
Collins returns after neck issue
John Collins rejoined the rotation Saturday against Sacramento following a stretch in which he missed nine of ten games, including seven straight, because of a sore neck and a head laceration. The big man came off the bench in that first game but was back in the starting lineup Monday with Leonard sidelined. “It was just a funky process,” Collins said, adding that he focused on staying positive and keeping his body ready during the recovery.
Young reserves impress Lue
Despite the defeat that dropped Los Angeles to 34–34, head coach Tyronn Lue praised his young reserves. Rookie Jordan Miller scored 22 points on 10-for-13 shooting, while Kobe Sanders (+20), Cam Christie (+12) and Isaiah Jackson (+10) all posted positive plus-minus figures. “Their energy was really good in that third quarter to come back and cut the lead,” Lue said, noting one missed rotation that allowed a timely three-pointer by San Antonio’s Stephon Castle.
Niederhauser’s season ends with surgery
Forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser recently underwent season-ending foot surgery. Before the injury, the 20-year-old was producing his best stretch of the campaign. He told Sports Central LA that veterans Bogdan Bogdanovic and Brook Lopez have helped him adapt to the NBA, and he also cited former teammate Ivica Zubac as an early influence prior to Zubac’s trade to Indiana.
Source: Hoops Rumors
