Clippers facing prospect of no Kawhi Leonard in playoff opener against Luka Doncic and Mavericks

LOS ANGELES (AP) — It’s playoff time in the NBA, and the Los Angeles Clippers have four potential Hall of Famers on their roster. But only three of them are healthy going into a first-round matchup with Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.

Kawhi Leonard has been dealing with what the team says is “very, very stubborn inflammation” in his surgically repaired right knee. He hasn’t participated in any contact practices and hasn’t played since March 31.

“I do think, at some point, he’ll be with us,” teammate Paul George said Saturday. “Kawhi wants to be in this more than anybody.”

But it seems unlikely for Game 1 on Sunday.

Coach Tyronn Lue has tabbed a replacement starter if Leonard can’t go, although he declined to say who.

“The guys are ready,” Lue said. “This is what you play for, to get to this moment to have a chance to play for a championship. It’s on everybody to produce.”