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Kawhi Leonard’s scoring prowess and the Clippers’ playoff push collide in a cubist clash with the Thunder.Oklahoma City Today
The Los Angeles Clippers are set to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, and star forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to be in the lineup. Leonard has played in nine straight games after missing time due to a left ankle sprain, and he is not listed on the Clippers’ injury report ahead of the matchup.
Why it matters
The Clippers are in a tight race for the eighth seed in the Western Conference, and Leonard’s health and production will be crucial as they try to secure a playoff spot in the final week of the regular season. Leonard has been a driving force for the Clippers, extending his franchise-record streak of 20-point games.
The details
Leonard has played in 63 of the Clippers’ 79 games this season, averaging a career-high 28.1 points per game. He has been dealing with ankle and wrist issues, but has now played in nine straight games. The Clippers have a 37-26 record in the games Leonard has played, compared to 4-12 in the games he has missed.
- Kawhi Leonard has played in nine straight games for the Clippers.
- Leonard has now extended his franchise-record streak of 20-point games to 55 consecutive contests.
- The Clippers have just three games remaining in the regular season.
The players
Kawhi Leonard
A seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP, Leonard has been a driving force for the Clippers this season, averaging a career-high 28.1 points per game.
Darius Garland
The Clippers’ newly acquired point guard, who is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game due to a left toe injury.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who has the second-longest active streak of 20-point games behind Kawhi Leonard.
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What they’re saying
“It’s amazing. Thank God for me being able to play consistently this year and being able to be in the conversation with the greats of this game.”
— Kawhi Leonard
What’s next
The Clippers will look to Kawhi Leonard to lead them to a crucial victory over the Thunder as they try to secure the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
The takeaway
Kawhi Leonard’s health and production will be critical for the Clippers in their final three games of the regular season as they fight for a playoff spot. The team has struggled without him, but his extended scoring streak and lack of injury designation suggest he is ready to power the Clippers’ postseason push.
