Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers could be a New York Knicks target this summer.
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Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers could be a New York Knicks target this summer.
An ankle injury wasn’t enough to keep Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard off the court for long.
The Los Angeles Clippers watched the superstar forward leave the March 14 matchup against the Sacramento Kings in pain after a strong 25-minute showing. Many feared his injury could keep him off the court for some time.
When the Clippers approached the March 16 matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard’s status was in doubt, but he wasn’t ruled out right away, which was a positive sign.
The Clippers approached the first matchup of their current back-to-back set with Leonard questionable. When the Clippers tipped off, Leonard was cleared and in the starting five.
More LAC News: Darius Garland Announcement Before Pelicans Game
After Leonard checked in for 29 minutes against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Clippers kept him on the injury report for the March 19 rematch against the Pelicans.
Will Leonard get the nod to play?
Clippers Announce The Starting Five vs New Orleans Pelicans
GettyInglewood, CA – March 11: LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Intuit Dome on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Unfortunately, Leonard will not be cleared for the Clippers’ Thursday night action against the Pelicans.
The Clippers are starting Kris Dun, Jordan Miller, Derrick Jones Jr., John Collins, and Brook Lopez.
The Pelicans are rolling with Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and Yves Missi.
During Wednesday’s first matchup between the Pelicans and the Clippers, Leonard went 9-12 from the field, hitting on four threes. He added three points from the free-throw line.
The Clippers’ star ended the night with 25 points.
The veteran forward John Collins produced 18 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Meanwhile, the star guard Darius Garland played for 29 minutes, putting up 13 points and six assists.
Despite a strong outing from Leonard and a quiet night from New Orleans’ high-flying star, Zion Williamson, the Clippers didn’t have any answers for the Pelicans.
The Pelicans defeated the Clippers 124-109.
With that loss, the Clippers have dropped three in a row.
Heading into Thursday’s game, the Clippers remain in the Western Conference’s eighth seed. They hold a 34-35 record, with a 0.5-game lead over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Golden State Warriors are the West’s 10th seed after a loss against the Boston Celtics. They also pose a threat to the Clippers, being just 1.0 games back.
The Clippers will look to jump out of their slump with an 8 PM ET tip on Thursday.