Here we go again — Kawhi Leonard was questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and, while he started, he also exited at halftime. So is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight? Let’s dive into the latest Kawhi Leonard injury update to discuss his odds of playing and how that affects today’s matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls. If you’re hungry for more picks, check out our NBA player prop betting.
Kawhi Leonard Injury Update: Is Los Angeles’ Star Playing Thursday?
Kawhi Leonard Injury Update | Thursday, March 14
Leonard was questionable for Tuesday’s action due to a groin injury, but he is questionable for today’s game with the back spasms that took him out of that game versus the Timberwolves.
It’s hard to evaluate Leonard’s status for this game, but a few factors are notable. For one, Paul George was questionable for Tuesday but isn’t today, which may suggest the Clippers expect to rely on him more heavily. However, James Harden is now also questionable, so the upgrade for George may be more a function of Harden’s injury issues.
The Clippers were also trading as 6.5-point favorites for Thursday’s action late last night, but the spread has since tightened to 5.5. This line movement occurred despite Chicago having to play an overtime game versus the Indiana Pacers yesterday — and despite Chicago losing Coby White to an injury that is expected to sideline him today.
The tea leaves don’t lead to a clear conclusion about Leonard, but you can find my take and betting advice for this game below.
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Is Kawhi Leonard Playing on Thursday?
So is Kawhi Leonard playing on Thursday? I suspect not, but it’s just a hunch. Leonard has already played in 58 regular-season games this year, his most since the 60 he played in the 2018-19 season with the Toronto Raptors. He is on pace for his most regular-season action since he played 74 with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2016-17 campaign.
At some point, the Clippers will probably start taking a more conservative approach with Leonard now that they’re a few games above the play-in tournament cut line. I suspect that could be the case tonight, especially since Leonard just had an early exit on Tuesday.
If Leonard sits, Paul George (and possibly James Harden) will benefit from being the top-scoring option(s) versus a gassed Chicago squad. The Bulls are 7-4 to the over without rest this season. The last time they played without rest, they coughed up 122 points to the Golden State Warriors, including 25 to Klay Thompson. Unfortunately, the books are waiting on more definitive injury news from this game before opening the markets for anyone but Leonard.
So instead of backing George, let’s fade DeMar DeRozan after his 40-plus minute night. While DeRozan should see an uptick in usage with Coby White likely out, the Clippers held him to 24 points in 42 minutes earlier this month, and DeRozan’s points per game average dips to 21.5 from his season average of 23.4 when he plays without rest.
Clippers-Bulls Pick: DeMar DeRozan Under 26.5 Points -125 at ESPNBet
