The latest Darius Garland injury update is here from head coach Tyronn Lue, and fans of the LA Clippers will want to cover their ears for this one: he participated in pre-practice activities and defensive exercise, but still has not stepped into live work. These words put life into the fear that Garland may not play for the rest of the season, as there are 28 games left and he seems far from ready to be thrown into the action alongside Kawhi Leonard in a playoff push.
Darius Garland participated in portions of Clippers practice today that weren’t live, says Tyronn Lue.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 18, 2026
He didn’t participate in 3-on-2, 2-on-1’s, but did participate in pre-practice work and the defensive stations.
Of course, the training staff will continue to try their best to get Garland on the court as soon as possible. But, simultaneously, the process cannot be rushed. The problem is that, with little time remaining, LA may realize that shutting him down en route to a healthy start next year might be best.
Is it even worth playing Darius Garland this season?
The LA Clippers have openly said they are essentially going to be careful with the recovery of Darius Garland’s toes. They have experience with the dividends patience can pay through Kawhi Leonard, and at the end of the day, the goal is to avoid the lingering injury.
Assuming Garland does suit up, which will not be for the next two games against the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, as he is already ruled out, and highly unlikely thereafter versus Orlando, Tyronn Lue will wisely place a minutes restriction on his debut.
I'm told that LA Clippers point guard Darius Garland is practicing on a limited basis to manage his surgically-repaired left foot toe.
— Law Murray 🏴☠️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) February 18, 2026
Garland will not play tomorrow vs Nuggets or Friday at Los Angeles. Status for Sunday vs Magic to be determined.
However, while restricted, the two-time All-Star will have to do his best to get acclimated fast into Lue’s system, as well as connect with how everyone, particularly Leonard, works on both ends of the court.
The idea of it all happening together spells trouble, letter by letter, and it does not help that the Clippers are the ninth seed and need strict sequences of wins.
Thus, inserting Garland into the rotation this late in the season is not ideal. Had he been good to go directly after the All-Star break, we would be having a different conversation about how he could boost LA into the higher echelons of the play-in. Yet, the former lottery pick has ways to go, with check boxes to clear, before he gets to sniff his next opportunity at playing.
So, Clippers fans should anticipate the announcement of his season ending on the sidelines. This decision is primarily for his future, but also for what LA has going on at the moment, as shaking up the starting five could break up what is working.