Kawhi Leonard continues to have inflammation in his surgically repaired knee and is questionable for Game 1 of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks.

Lawrence Frank said Leonard has yet to go through contact before Thursday's practice. Frank said Leonard's right knee, which has undergone surgeries to repair a torn ACL and meniscus, is structurally "solid and intact" but that he is experiencing "some very, very stubborn inflammation."

"He's doing everything," Frank said of Leonard treating his knee. "Our medical staff is doing everything to get the inflammation down so he can play. Progress has been made, but more progress needs -- the inflammation needs to continue to reduce so he can do functional basketball movements."

Leonard underwent surgery on his torn ACL in July 2021 and a cleanup procedure to repair a torn meniscus in June 2023.

Miami Heat wing Jimmy Butler is expected to miss a few weeks due to a sprained MCL. Butler was injured during the Heat's Play-In Tournament loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

Butler was able to complete the game, but was visibly hampered. He limped off at the end of the game and was spotted with a visible limp as he left the arena.

The Heat will host the Chicago Bulls in the final Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament game on Friday. The winner advances to play the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, beginning on Sunday afternoon.

Damian Lillard returned to practice on Wednesday after missing Tuesday's practice with a sore left adductor.

Lillard missed last Friday's regular season game with the injury.

Doc Rivers said he expected Lillard to continue to practice on Friday.

"I'm assuming. I would be surprised [if he doesn't practice]. I'll put it that way," said Rivers.

The Bucks will already be without Giannis Antetokounmpo at the start of their series against the Pacers.

Ty Lue was not sure whether Kawhi Leonard would be available to play in Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks.

"We just take it day by day. He's progressing. He's getting better. We don't have a timetable," said Lue.

Leonard did not participate in any 5-on-5 drills on Tuesday.

Leonard missed the last eight games of the regular season due to inflammation in his right knee.

Lue added that he was preparing his game plan to include Leonard.

"I'm preparing for him, to have him on the court," added Lue.

Alex Caruso has a "significant" left ankle sprain, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Caruso is doubtful for the Bulls' play-in tournament game against the Heat on Friday.

Caruso suffered the injury when Andre Drummond stepped on his foot during Wednesday night's win over the Hawks.

Jimmy Butler is believed to have suffered an MCL injury during Wednesday's loss by the Miami Heat to the Phialdelphia 76ers in the Play-In.

Butler will undergo an MRI and could miss an indefinite period of time.

If the Heat win their Play-In game on Friday, they would play the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Olivier Sarr sustained a left Achilles tendon rupture during Game 3 of the G League Finals this past Monday night.

A timeline for Sarr’s return to play will be updated in the coming months. 

In 15 games this season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sarr averaged 2.3 points on 56.0% shooting to go along with 2.4 rebounds in 6.5 minutes. Sarr also saw action in 18 games with the Blue and averaged 14.0 points, 13.1 rebounds (2nd in G League) and 2.3 blocks in 28.2 minutes. 

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward Zion Williamson has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain.

An MRI taken this morning confirmed the injury. Williamson will be re-examined in approximately two weeks.

The Pelicans will play the Sacramento Kings on Friday for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Zion Williamson is believed to have injured his left hamstring during the New Orleans Pelicans' 110-106 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Williamson will undergo further tests on Wednesday.

Williamson had 40 points and 11 rebounds before leaving the game in the fourth quarter. 

The Pelicans will play the Kings on Friday night. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo is not expected to be ready for the start of the Milwaukee Bucks' first round series against the Indiana Pacers due to his left calf strain.

The Bucks are hopeful that Antetokounmpo will be able to return during the series based on his ongoing treatment.

Antetokounmpo was also limited during the Bucks' first round series last season against the Miami Heat due to a back issue.