The return of two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard has put the Clippers in a position to not only win games but dominate against the best teams in the league. They proved that without Leonard, they could take any contender down to the wire. With his star-studded presence, the Clippers are highly talented and coached to win in any matchup they face.
In Leonard’s home debut on January 2nd, he received a strong ovation from fans. This was well deserved, as the two-time champion was missed on and off the court.
Leonard followed the ovation with 12 points in a major win against the Atlanta Hawks. Though he expressed multiple concerns regarding his knee, he felt good about continuing to play under the precautions of coaches and trainers.
Moreover, the Clippers flew north for their final battle against Minnesota, where they lost heartbreakingly to the dominance of star Anthony Edwards. Though it was a close game, head coach Tyronn Lue made it clear the former defensive player of the year would be on a minute restriction from start to finish.
Leonard finished with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists in 21 minutes of action. He also drained two three-pointers in five attempts, backing up his readjustment to the fast-paced basketball played in the NBA.
With a loss to the Timberwolves, the Clippers are hunting for a win to regain their rhythm in the Western Conference. This game is crucial, as LA could take the season series against a potential playoff matchup.
Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight?
Unfortunately, Kawhi Leonard will not be on the floor in the last showdown between the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. This is detrimental for Tyronn Lue, as he must return to his old ways of scheming without Leonard.
Conversely, Leonard is not out with an injury. Due to the Los Angeles wildfires, the six-time all-star is stepping away to tend to his family members who were coerced into evacuation.
Sources: Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is stepping away from the team to be with family who were forced to evacuate due to the Los Angeles-area wildfires. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/rthR3Vv4kl
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 8, 2025
There is currently no update on when Leonard will return to the team.
Injury report for Clippers vs Nuggets
Aside from Leonard, the LA Clippers remain fully healthy. Forward P.J. Tucker is out and away from the team, while G-League stars Cam Christie, Trentyn Flowers, and Kai Jones are out as they spend time with the San Diego Clippers.
The Denver Nuggets’ report consists of Nikola Jokic (illness), Aaron Gordon (right-calf strain), Vlatko Cancar (left-knee surgery), PJ Hall (G-League), and DaRon Holmes II (right-achilles tendon), who have all been ruled out.