As the NBA playoffs loom, the Los Angeles Clippers face uncertainty with star forward Kawhi Leonard's health status. Leonard, pivotal to the Clippers' championship aspirations, has been sidelined with knee inflammation, casting doubts on his participation in the upcoming first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank provided an update, labeling Leonard as "questionable" for Game 1 on Sunday.

As the regular season fades into the rearview mirror, the 2024 NBA Playoffs take center stage, promising basketball fans around the globe a spectacle filled with drama, intensity, and the highest level of basketball competition. With the Dallas Mavericks and other top-tier teams vying for the coveted NBA championship, let's unpack the key storylines, matchups, and players that will define this postseason run.

In the heart of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Timberwolves have crafted a season to remember, largely due to the synergistic efforts of a coaching staff led by Chris Finch. With a record of 56-26, securing the second-best in franchise history, and clinching the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the Timberwolves have soared beyond expectations. The team's exceptional performance has been underpinned by a unique blend of camaraderie, both on and off the court, and a coaching philosophy that emphasizes trust, responsibility, and strategic prowess. As they gear up to face Phoenix in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Timberwolves' blend of all-star talent, a formidable defense, and coaching ingenuity positions them as a formidable contender.