It was recently announced that Kawhi Leonard will be out indefinitely with a knee injury and Chris Paul will be out indefinitely due to Covid-19 Protocols.

This is especially impactful because both Leonard and Paul are the faces of their respective teams and franchises. Even more so, Kawhi's team, the Los Angeles Clippers will be in a crucial Game 5 against Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz. Leonard is no stranger to being down 3-2 to a worthy opponent. Just last round, him and his Clippers were down 3-2 to a loaded and capable Dallas Mavericks team. So it would not be surprising if Leonard returns and is able to get back to back wins to take the series. However, it is even questionable unto itself whether Kawhi Leonard will even be able to return for the series. If he does not, he may very well be seeing his season end from the bench.

Chris Paul has a bit more leeway for his absence. The Suns have already reserved their place in the Western Conference Finals. So there is not really a rush for Chris Paul to make his return. However if, forbid, Chris Paul were to have the COVID-19 virus, he would be sidelined for 14 days, which would be an extreme issue for the Suns, regardless of whether they face off against the Utah Jazz or the Los Angeles Clippers.

The NBA and its audience will be losing two blockbuster stars in Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard. They have been the anchor for their respective teams during their playoff runs. It will be a tossup on how their absences will affect their teams. Quite frankly, the Clippers are probably the most at risk, especially since they are up against the the first seeded Utah Jazz.

Hopefully both these stars can make a swift return, but if they do not, only time will show their teams' playoff fate.