Shams Charania, Senior NBA Insider
LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard plans to make his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The Clippers upgraded Leonard to questionable Friday night, indicating he is set to return to action for the first time since April 26, 2024.
Leonard has been sidelined all season because of inflammation in his right knee. In early December, he returned to practice for the first time since last season.
The Clippers have had surprising success this season without Leonard, going 19-15, second in the Pacific Division.
Leonard, 33, played 68 games last season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
News of Leonard’s plan to play Saturday was first reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes.
According to sources within the Los Angeles Clippers organization, star player Kawhi Leonard is planning to make his season debut this Saturday. Leonard has been sidelined with a knee injury since last season and fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to the court.
The sources indicate that Leonard has been working diligently on his rehabilitation and is finally ready to rejoin his teammates for game action. His presence on the court will undoubtedly provide a major boost to the Clippers’ lineup and help solidify their position as contenders in the Western Conference.
Fans can expect to see Leonard back in action this Saturday, so be sure to tune in and witness the return of one of the NBA’s top talents. Stay tuned for more updates on Leonard’s comeback and the Clippers’ season as it unfolds. #KawhiLeonard #Clippers #NBA #SeasonDebut
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#Sources #Clippers #Kawhi #Leonard #plans #season #debut #Sat
All-Star Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to play his first game of the year with L.A. on Saturday against the Hawks, sources inform NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter video link). ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Leonard intends to play.
For their part, the Clippers officially upgraded Leonard’s status against Atlanta to questionable.
Last week, it was initially reported that the former two-time Finals MVP and the Clippers were targeting this January 4 tilt for Leonard’s return to action. It appears that remains very much the plan, and his ramp-up from an offseason procedure to address right knee inflammation is still on track.
Leonard took part in a 5-on-5 team scrimmage with L.A. last week, and has practiced with the club’s NBAGL affiliate, the San Diego Clippers, during L.A.’s recently-concluded three-game road trip.
L.A. went 1-2 on that road trip. But the Clippers have had a surprisingly robust start to their 2024/25 season sans Leonard, thanks in large part to the prolific scoring of guards James Harden and Norman Powell. The club is currently 19-15 on the season. That record is good for the Western Conference’s No. 7 seed, a solid finish without the team’s most expensive player.
In 2023/24, Leonard enjoyed his healthiest season yet while playing for his hometown team. Across 68 contests, the San Diego State alum averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks a night. He was named to his sixth All-Star and All-NBA teams for his efforts.
Sadly, the 33-year-old’s luck ran out in the postseason, as he survived just two playoff games for the Clippers. Leonard has not made it through the playoffs healthy since his first season with L.A., 2019/20.
After missing the last seven games due to a knee injury, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to make his return to the lineup on Saturday. Leonard, who has been dealing with a sore right knee, has been sidelined since June 14th.
The Clippers have sorely missed Leonard’s presence on the court, as they have gone 3-4 in his absence. His return will provide a much-needed boost to the team as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
Leonard’s return couldn’t come at a better time, as the Clippers gear up for a crucial matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. With the playoffs right around the corner, having their star player back in the lineup will be a huge advantage for the team.
Fans can expect to see Leonard back in action on Saturday, as he looks to help lead the Clippers to victory and secure their spot in the postseason. Stay tuned for more updates on Leonard’s return and the Clippers’ playoff push.
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#Clippers #Kawhi #Leonard #Expected #Return #Saturday
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to return from a knee injury on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Sources: Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard (knee) is expected to make his season debut on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/haynesbriefs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#haynesbriefs</a> <a href=”https://t.co/OXuwUYlrA5″>pic.twitter.com/OXuwUYlrA5</a>
Leonard has been out all season. The listed reason on the NBA injury report has been “right knee; injury recovery.”
On Dec. 27, Leonard posted a cryptic video that seemed to indicate his return would come soon.
Kawhi Leonard @Way2Whi
The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/kawhileonard?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#kawhileonard</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/KL2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#KL2</a> <a href=”https://t.co/CSGl4HqY9T”>pic.twitter.com/CSGl4HqY9T</a>
Law Murray of The Athletic then reported that the Clippers were targeting Jan. 4 at home against the Atlanta Hawks for Leonard’s return to the court.
Right knee inflammation forced Leonard to miss the final eight regular-season games of the 2023-24 season as well as four of the Clippers’ six first-round playoff games against the Dallas Mavericks.
Leonard suffered a torn right ACL in the 2021 postseason that forced him to sit all of 2021-22. He also suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. Thankfully, he was ready for the 2023-24 season opener.
Leonard is an immensely talented player with six All-Star recognitions, six All-NBA team honors, seven All-Defensive teams, two NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards to his name. He averaged 23.7 points on 52.5 percent shooting, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals last year. So obviously, the Clippers need him to have a chance at a championship run.
Without him, though, James Harden has still adeptly run the offense, with Norman Powell breaking out to lead the team in scoring.
Exciting NBA news for fans as Kawhi Leonard is set to make his return from a knee injury for the Los Angeles Clippers in their upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks. The star player’s comeback is highly anticipated and is sure to provide a major boost for the Clippers as they look to secure a win. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, including news, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors surrounding Leonard’s return. Don’t miss out on all the latest NBA action! #NBA #KawhiLeonard #Clippers #Hawks #InjuryReturn
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NBA, Kawhi Leonard, knee injury, return, Clippers vs Hawks, news, scores, highlights, stats, rumors, basketball, sports, NBA updates, Kawhi Leonard injury update, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, NBA game preview, Kawhi Leonard comeback.
#NBA #News #Kawhi #Leonard #Reportedly #Return #Knee #Injury #Clippers #Hawks #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #Rumors
The Clippers began the season without Kawhi Leonard, a familiar but unwelcome sight for fans. A solid start, however, allowed the franchise to take its time working the veteran back into the fold.
The Clippers have remained steady in the Western Conference playoff picture despite plenty of talented teams around them, with Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac stepping up next to a refreshed James Harden. LA hopes Leonard can get back on the court soon and help the team find a new gear.
How much time will Leonard miss and what does it mean for the Clippers? Here is the latest on his recovery.
SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule
Leonard is dealing with inflammation in his right knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Ohm Youngmisuk. Leonard’s designation on the NBA’s official injury report is “right knee injury management.”
The issue plagued Leonard to close the 2023-24 season, limited him during the 2024 NBA Playoffs, prevented him from playing in the Olympics and kept him from participating during training camp and the preseason.
Leonard last played in an NBA game on April 26, 2024, Game 3 of LA’s first-round playoff loss to Dallas.
Before the injury setback, the 2023-24 season was a big one for Leonard. Over 68 games, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from 3-point range.
Leonard is targeting a return date of Jan. 4 against the Hawks, The Athletic’s Law Murray reported.
There is indeed a target date for Kawhi Leonard: Saturday, January 4 at Intuit Dome, when LA Clippers host Atlanta Hawks, sources tell @TheAthletic
— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) December 28, 2024
In late December, Leonard posted a video in collaboration with New Balance on his YouTube channel teasing his return titled, “Kawhi Leonard The Return.”
“There’s been good days, there’s been bad days, but I keep coming back,” Leonard said.
Leonard was reported by Shams Charania to be “out indefinitely” at the start of the season, measured in weeks rather than days, and his absence ultimately lasted multiple months.
Updates on Leonard’s recovery were initially limited, but he started appearing at practice in December and ramping up in anticipation of a potential return.
The Clippers will go on the road to Minnesota and Denver after facing the Hawks on Jan. 4, but they don’t play a back-to-back until Jan. 15 and 16.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Dec. 31 | at Spurs | 7 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 2 | at Thunder | 8 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 4 | vs. Hawks | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Jan. 6 | at Timberwolves | 8 p.m. | — |
| Jan. 8 | at Nuggets | 9 p.m. | — |
MORE NBA NEWS:
How long is Kawhi Leonard out? Knee injury timeline, return date, latest updates for Clippers star
Kawhi Leonard, the star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, has been dealing with a knee injury that has sidelined him for several games. The injury, which has been described as a knee sprain, has raised concerns among fans and the team about Leonard’s availability for the rest of the season.
The timeline for Leonard’s return remains uncertain, as the Clippers are taking a cautious approach to his recovery. However, reports suggest that Leonard could be out for at least a few more weeks as he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation.
The latest updates on Leonard’s injury indicate that he is making progress in his recovery, but he is still not ready to return to the court. The Clippers are closely monitoring his condition and are working with team doctors to ensure that he is fully healed before he resumes playing.
Fans are eagerly awaiting news of Leonard’s return date, as his absence has been felt by the team in recent games. The Clippers will continue to provide updates on Leonard’s injury status as they become available, so be sure to stay tuned for the latest developments.
In the meantime, the Clippers will need to rely on their depth and talent to fill the void left by Leonard’s absence. With the playoffs approaching, the team will be looking to get their star player back on the court as soon as possible to make a strong push for a championship.
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#long #Kawhi #Leonard #Knee #injury #timeline #return #date #latest #updates #Clippers #star
The Los Angeles Clippers watched the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George era end this past offseason, as George opted not to resign in LA and instead signed a four-year contract to team up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on the Philadelphia 76ers. Factor in Leonard being removed from Team USA due to injury, and some believed Clippers fans didn’t have much to look forward to this season.
Despite this, the Clippers have been able to rally around their veterans James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac to stay well in the playoff mix as a top-six seed. With the calendar year switching to 2025, Clippers fans were optimistic that Saturday would provide the chance for a Leonard season debut against the Atlanta Hawks.
Initially, the Clippers reported that would not be the case, as Leonard was ruled out for Saturday night’s game at the Inuit Dome.
The star forward was listed out with right knee injury recovery.
Kawhi Leonard is out for tomorrow’s game against Atlanta.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 4, 2025
Then in an official update from the team, Leonard was upgraded to questionable.
This is usually a sign that a player is planning to return.
The Clippers have officially changed Kawhi Leonard’s status to questionable for tomorrow’s game against Atlanta.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 4, 2025
Clippers fans have been on quite the emotional rollercoaster, and have been reacting to this news on X.
“Goat back league is trembling,” a fan commented.
“AHHHHH LETS GOOOO,” a fan added.
“LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO,” a fan said.
“LETS GET WEIRD KLAW,” another fan wrote.
As can be seen, fans are feeling a range of emotions as they wait for their All-NBA forward to finally return to the court. Given the Clippers have been very careful in this process, fans are optimistic that when he returns, it will be for the foreseeable future.
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The NBA world was sent into a frenzy today as news broke that Kawhi Leonard would be out for the upcoming game between the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers. Fans took to social media to express their shock and disappointment at the star player’s injury.
One fan tweeted, “Devastated to hear that Kawhi won’t be playing tonight. He’s such a crucial part of the Clippers’ success and it’s going to be tough without him on the court.”
Another fan expressed concern for Leonard’s health, writing, “I hope Kawhi’s injury isn’t serious and that he has a speedy recovery. The NBA just isn’t the same without him out there dominating the game.”
Despite the disappointment, many fans still showed support for the Clippers and remained optimistic about their chances in the game. One fan tweeted, “Even without Kawhi, the Clippers are a strong team and I have no doubt they can still pull off a win tonight against the Hawks. Let’s go Clippers!”
It’s clear that Leonard’s absence will be felt by fans and teammates alike, but the show must go on. The Hawks-Clippers game is sure to be an exciting matchup, with both teams looking to secure a crucial win in the race for the playoffs. Stay tuned for more updates as the game unfolds.
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#NBA #Fans #React #Kawhi #Leonard #Injury #News #HawksClippers
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Riley Leonard’s decision to transfer from Duke to Notre Dame following the 2023 season has paid off.
Through 13 games as the starting quarterback for the Irish, Leonard has led his squad to a 12-1 record, including a first-round win over Indiana in the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame’s talented defense has played a significant role in the team’s success as well, but Leonard’s 2,293 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns (compared to six interceptions) and 15 rushing scores have been vital to the Irish offense. As a dual-threat option, Leonard has become one of college football’s most effective quarterbacks in the 2024 season.
As a senior, Leonard will be out of collegiate eligibility at the end of Notre Dame’s season. Could he hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft? Here’s what to know about Leonard’s draft projection and where he ranks among eligible quarterbacks.
MORE: Dillon Gabriel’s 2025 NFL mock draft projection
Leonard’s numbers for Notre Dame this season have been impressive, but he’s not considered a top-tier quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the latest draft big board from SN’s Vinnie Iyer, Leonard does not make an appearance. Eight quarterbacks did make the list, although Penn State’s Drew Allar and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier are both set to return to their respective schools in 2025. If an NFL team does select Leonard in April, he’d likely be viewed as a developmental prospect or depth option rather than as an immediate starter.
Other big boards have Leonard ranked as a lower-tier quarterback prospect, with NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus rankings considering the Notre Dame passer the No. 173 overall prospect and a projected sixth-round pick.
Leonard could certainly hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft, but in all likelihood, that won’t happen in at least the first few rounds.
SN’s PLAYOFF HQ: Live CFP scores | Updated CFP bracket | Full CFP schedule
Here are the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to SN’s Vinnie Iyer:
| Rank | QB | School | Overall rank |
| 1 | Shedeur Sanders | Colorado | 8 |
| 2 | Cam Ward | Miami | 9 |
| 3 | Jalen Milroe | Alabama | 18 |
| 4 | Quinn Ewers | Texas | 33 |
| 5 | Carson Beck | Georgia | 59 |
| 6 | Dillon Gabriel | Oregon | 100 |
The big board initially included Allar and Nussemeier, but with both quarterbacks recently announcing their decisions to stay in college for the 2025 season, Leonard could benefit.
Along with names like Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, or Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, Leonard could be a quarterback that an NFL team takes a flier on in the later rounds due to his strong 2024 season.
Riley Leonard Mock Draft Projection: Will Notre Dame QB Get Picked in 2025 NFL Draft?
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one player who is generating a lot of buzz is Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard. The talented signal-caller has been turning heads with his impressive performances on the field, and many draft experts believe he has the potential to be a high draft pick.
Leonard has all the tools to succeed at the next level, with a strong arm, excellent accuracy, and the ability to make plays with his legs. He has shown great poise under pressure and has a high football IQ, making him a top prospect for NFL teams in need of a franchise quarterback.
In mock drafts leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Leonard has been projected to go anywhere from the first round to the early second round. Some experts believe he could be a top-10 pick, while others see him as a mid-first round selection.
Ultimately, Leonard’s draft stock will depend on how he performs in his final season at Notre Dame and during the pre-draft process. If he continues to impress scouts and coaches, there is a good chance he will hear his name called early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Only time will tell where Riley Leonard ends up, but one thing is for certain – he has the talent and potential to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. Keep an eye on Leonard as the draft approaches, as he could be one of the biggest stories of the 2025 draft class.
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Riley Leonard, Notre Dame QB, 2025 NFL Draft, mock draft projection, draft prospects, NFL prospects, quarterback prospects, college football, draft analysis, NFL draft predictions
#Riley #Leonard #mock #draft #projection #Notre #Dame #picked #NFL #Draft
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Six former Florida State basketball players sued Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton on Monday, alleging he failed to make good on a promise to get each of them $250,000 in name, image and likeness compensation.
The plaintiffs — Darin Green Jr., De’Ante Green, Cam’Ron Fletcher, Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears and Jalen Warley — filed suit in Leon County circuit court, and their attorney, Fort Lauderdale-based Darren Heitner, shared the 20-page complaint.
The former players allege Hamilton promised them the money from his “business partners.” The lawsuit says they walked out of a practice last season over the missed payments and intended to boycott a Feb. 17 game against Duke. They ended up playing — the Seminoles lost — amid a guarantee from Hamilton that they would be paid but they never were, according to the suit.
No attorney for Hamilton was listed in the lawsuit.
“We support Coach Hamilton’s right to defend himself against these allegations and look forward to an expeditious resolution of this matter,” the university said in a statement.
The university’s statement also said an inquiry into the allegations is ongoing but “at this point we know of no unfulfilled commitments by FSU in terms of scholarships or other appropriate benefits or the Rising Spear Collective relative to NIL payments owed to the athletes.”
FSU hosts Syracuse on Saturday.
The complaint includes multiple text-message exchanges between players and some between players and Hamilton.
FSU finished 17-16 last season, including 10-10 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The 76-year-old Hamilton is in the final year of his contract. The Seminoles are 9-4, including 0-2 in league play.
None of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit remains with the team. Darin Green and Nickelberry exhausted their college eligibility last spring, and the four others transferred. Spears is now at UTSA, Fletcher is at Xavier, De’Ante Green is at South Florida and Warley is redshirting at Gonzaga.
The lawsuit is the latest in a growing number of NIL legal battles.
Matthew Sluka, a starting quarterback for the UNLV football team, left the program after three games in September because he said he was never paid on a $100,000 NIL deal. Former Florida quarterback signee Jaden Rashada, now playing at Georgia, sued Gators coach Billy Napier last year over an alleged unpaid $13 million NIL deal. And several Tulsa players claim they were never paid thousands in NIL commitments made by former coach Kevin Wilson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Several former Florida State University basketball players have filed a lawsuit against head coach Leonard Hamilton, alleging that he failed to deliver promised payments for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights.
The players, who were part of the Seminoles’ roster between 2018 and 2021, claim that Hamilton made verbal agreements to compensate them for promoting the team and utilizing their personal brands to generate revenue. However, they assert that they never received the agreed-upon payments and were left empty-handed.
The lawsuit accuses Hamilton of breach of contract, fraud, and unjust enrichment, among other claims. The players are seeking monetary damages for the unpaid NIL payments, as well as punitive damages for the alleged misconduct.
This legal action comes amid the ongoing debate over the compensation of college athletes for their NIL rights. With the recent changes in NCAA rules allowing players to profit from their personal brands, cases like this one highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in these transactions.
Coach Hamilton has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit, but the outcome of this case could have significant implications for how college coaches and programs handle NIL agreements with their student-athletes. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Tags:
#ExFSU #players #sue #coach #Leonard #Hamilton #failed #NIL #payments
site: fantasynews | arena: nba | pageType: stories |
section: | slug: clippers-kawhi-leonard-recalled-to-nba | sport: basketball | route: article_single_fantasy |
6-keys: media/fantasynews/nba/reg/free/stories
By
RotoWire Staff
Dec 30, 2024
at
10:20 am ET
•
1 min read
The Los Angeles Clippers’ star player, Kawhi Leonard, has officially been recalled to the NBA after missing the entire 2020-2021 season due to a knee injury. Fans across the league are thrilled to see one of the top players in the game back on the court and ready to compete at a high level once again. Leonard’s return is sure to add excitement and intensity to the upcoming season, as the Clippers look to make a deep playoff run with their superstar leading the way. Welcome back, Kawhi! #NBA #KawhiLeonard #LosAngelesClippers
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#Clippers #Kawhi #Leonard #Recalled #NBA
The Clippers and Kawhi Leonard are targeting next Saturday, January 4, for the star forward’s return from the knee issue that has sidelined him for the entire 2024/25 season so far, reports Law Murray of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Leonard dealt with inflammation in his right knee at the end of last season and battled the issue again during the summer, necessitating his removal from the U.S. Olympic team. He underwent a procedure on the troublesome knee during the offseason and continued to work his way back to full strength this fall, delaying his season debut.
As we relayed earlier today, Leonard isn’t traveling with the Clippers on their three-game road trip, which begins on Monday in New Orleans and runs through next Thursday in Oklahoma City.
However, he participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage on Thursday and the plan is for him to practice with the San Diego Clippers in the G League while the NBA squad is on the road.
The January 4 game vs. the Hawks is the Clippers’ first contest back at home following their road trip. Murray cautions (via Twitter) that there are still a number of boxes for Leonard to check within the next week, but if all goes well, it sounds as if the plan is for him to suit up vs. Atlanta.
Despite losing star forward Paul George during the offseason and missing Leonard for their first 30 games this season, the Clippers have remained highly competitive. They currently hold a 17-13 record, which technically makes them the No. 7 seed in the West, though they trail the No. 6 Lakers (17-13) in the standings by only a tiebreaker and the No. 5 Nuggets (16-12) by just percentage points.
Leonard’s return should make the Clippers an even greater threat in the Western Conference playoff race, assuming he can stay on the court. The two-time Finals MVP has missed 191 of 420 regular season games and 15 of 43 postseason contests since signing with L.A. in 2019.
When healthy, Leonard has continued to consistently play at an All-Star level. Last season, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game with a .525/.417/.885 shooting line in 68 outings, earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.
After missing the last seven games due to a sprained right knee, Los Angeles Clippers’ star forward Kawhi Leonard is targeting a return to the court on January 4. Leonard sustained the injury during a game against the Boston Celtics on December 25 and has been sidelined since.
The Clippers have struggled in Leonard’s absence, going 2-5 during that stretch. His return will be a welcome sight for the team as they look to get back on track and climb up the Western Conference standings.
Leonard’s presence on the court provides a significant boost to the Clippers on both ends of the floor. His scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership will be crucial as the team looks to make a push for the playoffs.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Leonard’s return and are hopeful that he can help the team turn things around. With his impending comeback, the Clippers are optimistic about their chances of success in the second half of the season. Stay tuned for more updates on Leonard’s return and the Clippers’ progress as they strive for a postseason berth.
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#Clippers #Kawhi #Leonard #Targeting #January #Return
