How Long Will Kawhi Leonard Miss With Back Injury?

Back spasms caused Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard to leave the arena Tuesday night, reportedly because it was uncomfortable for him to sit.

However, the Pro Basketball Docs are not expecting a long absence for the six-time All Star as long as there are no radiating nerve symptoms.

Kawhi Leonard Return Timeline

Leonard played the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but was unable to return to the game and eventually left the arena in the second quarter.

“He’s been dealing with it for a couple of days, back spasms,” head coach Tyron Lue told reporters Tuesday night. “Wasn’t sure if he was going to go this morning. But he came to shootaround, got some treatment, did what he had to do and tried to get on the court and play today, and it just didn’t loosen up for him.”

The good news for Kawhi and the Clippers: back spasms are treatable and symptoms can relieve quickly as long as there is nothing structurally wrong with his back – such as a herniated disc.

As this is the first time back spasms have popped up in years for Leonard, there is nothing to suggest anything is structurally wrong with his back although he may undergo an MRI out of precaution.

He last missed a game with back spasms on March 2, 2021 but returned to play the next game on March 4, 2021.

Leonard has been playing through left groin soreness for the better part of two months, but there is nothing to suggest this recent back issue is tied to that injury.

Impact on the Clippers

After leading by 13 points at the end of the first quarter, the Clippers were outscored 97-66 in the following three quarters against the third-place Timberwolves.

Los Angeles led by 8 points at the half, but eventually fell to Minnesota 118-110 after scoring 37 points in the second half.

Norman Powell and Amir Coffey saw the biggest minutes increase with Leonard out of the lineup. Powell finished with 11 points on 44.4% shooting while Coffey scored 8 points on 50% shooting from the floor.

Those two figure to be key factors on Thursday in Chicago if Leonard can’t suit up.

The Clippers are 3-3 without Leonard this season. He has averaged 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 58 games while shooting 52.3% from the floor and 42.6% from 3.