Kawhi Leonard leaves with a facial contusion as the Clippers lose to a shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans team as their NBA playoff goals suffer a setback.
To avoid the play-in tournament or hold onto home-court advantage for a first-round series, the Clippers need a big finish to the regular season.Facing the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena, the Clippers trailed by eight within two minutes, before most fans had taken their seats.Barely more than four minutes into the third quarter, their 12-point deficit was up to 18.
The Clippers are now 39-36, tied with the Golden State Warriors but good for fifth in the West. The loss could be felt for days not only because of Leonard’s unclear timeline for a return but the fact it clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker for New Orleans , which looms one game behind in the loss column.
Hours before tipoff, there was a modest sign of optimism when guard Norman Powell, sidelined by an injury to his left, non-shooting, shoulder since March 2, posted to Instagram a collection of photos from practice against various levels of contact.
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