The Los Angeles Clippers may not have a key part of their rotation for tonight’s home game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Star wing Kawhi Leonard has picked up a questionable tag for a left hip contusion. Let’s dive into the most recent Kawhi Leonard injury update for Wednesday to discuss his odds of playing. If you’re hungry for more action, check out our NBA player prop bets, our NBA betting tools or our NBA betting promos!
Kawhi Leonard Injury Update: Is L.A.’s Star Playing Tonight?
Is Kawhi Leonard Playing for the Los Angeles Clippers Tonight?
The Los Angeles Clippers have listed Kawhi Leonard as questionable due to a left hip issue. Leonard, who was at the forefront of the load management movement, has missed just three games this year, all of which have come in a row. He is yet to return from this multi-game absence, but picking up a questionable tag is a step in the right direction.
Still, it seems doubtful that Leonard will suit up tonight. Leonard was not seen at shootaround for the Clippers. Although Leonard had avoided missing many games to this point in the year, it’s possible that an extended absence is in the cards for him and that the Clippers are just keeping their cards close to their chest.
The betting markets offer little insight into Leonard’s availability. The Clippers opened as six-point home favorites, and that’s exactly where the market is trading now. Pregame reports that 63% of the cash has come in on Memphis — but that 69% of the tickets are on L.A. — which suggests sharps anticipate Leonard missing tonight’s game.
Notably, no book is taking action on the player props for this game. That’s likely in part due to the Grizzlies not having released an injury report yet following their game against the Denver Nuggets last night. The Grizzlies are not required to release an injury report until 1 p.m. local time the day of the game. Ja Morant may end up getting a night off since he is still getting back up to speed.
Ultimately, I’m skeptical of Leonard’s availability for tonight’s contest since he failed to make shootaround. Depending on what the Grizzlies’ injury report looks like, I’m considering a wager on the player prop markets for center Ivica Zubac — if Leonard sits, his points prop may tick up by a point or two, which would create some value on the under against one of the NBA’s most effective interior defenses.
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