Kawhi Leonard Injury Update: Will the Clippers Star Return Soon?

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has officially been ruled out for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets. This marks his fifth consecutive missed game as he continues to recover from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since late October.

The absence of Leonard comes as a major blow for the Clippers, who have struggled without their defensive anchor and offensive leader. The team has gone 0–4 in the games he’s missed, including a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks earlier this week.

Kawhi Leonard Injury Update and Timeline

According to team reports, Leonard remains out indefinitely with lingering soreness in his right ankle. Although there was initial optimism that he could return this week, the Clippers medical staff opted for caution as the All-Star continues his rehabilitation process.

Reports earlier this week indicated that Leonard is expected to miss at least a few more games, putting his status for Friday’s NBA Cup group stage matchup against the Dallas Mavericks in serious doubt. Head coach Tyronn Lue did not provide a firm timetable for his return, saying only that the forward is “making progress” but not yet ready for game action.

Before his injury, Leonard was averaging 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game while shooting efficiently from the field. His two-way dominance had helped keep the Clippers competitive in the Western Conference, but his absence has exposed major gaps in both scoring and defense.

In Leonard’s place, forward John Collins has stepped into the starting lineup, contributing solid minutes but struggling to replicate Leonard’s production. Collins finished with nine points and seven rebounds in 31 minutes against Atlanta and will once again face a tough defensive assignment against Denver’s Aaron Gordon on Wednesday night.

How Leonard’s Absence Affects the Clippers

The Clippers’ recent struggles underscore Leonard’s importance to the roster. Without him, the team has lacked late-game scoring and defensive versatility, particularly on the perimeter. His chemistry with Paul George and James Harden has been critical to Los Angeles’ success, and his ongoing absence could have implications for their early-season momentum.

Fans remain hopeful Leonard can return soon, as the team faces a difficult stretch of games against top-tier Western Conference opponents. Given his injury history, however, the Clippers are unlikely to rush his return, prioritizing long-term health over short-term results.

For now, Kawhi Leonard’s injury update leaves the Clippers facing another night without their star, as they look to snap their losing streak against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long has Kawhi Leonard been out?

Leonard has missed five straight games due to a lingering ankle injury that first flared up in late October.

Q2: Will Kawhi Leonard play against the Mavericks?

At this point, his status for Friday’s game against Dallas remains doubtful as he continues rehabilitation.

Q3: How has the team performed without Kawhi Leonard?

The Clippers are winless at 0–4 without Leonard this season, highlighting his critical role on both ends.

Q4: Who is starting in Kawhi Leonard’s place?

Forward John Collins has filled in for Leonard, averaging just under 13 points and 5 rebounds this season.

Q5: What’s Kawhi Leonard’s season average before injury?

He was averaging 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game before being sidelined.