The Los Angeles Clippers are preparing for a crucial Wednesday night showdown against the Toronto Raptors at the Intuit Dome, and all eyes are on their superstar forward, Kawhi Leonard. With the Clippers sitting at 36-36 and desperately fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, every game matters down the stretch.
Leonard has been battling through a left ankle sprain that has kept him on and off the injury report for over a week now, and his availability for tonight’s 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off against his former team remains uncertain.
Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Status for Clippers vs. Raptors
The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been a warrior through the injury, refusing to let the ankle ailment keep him sidelined for long. He played in the Clippers’ dominant 129-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, posting 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in just 25 minutes of action. It marked his 13th consecutive game with at least one steal, a testament to his defensive prowess even while dealing with discomfort.
Over his last 12 games in March, Leonard has been absolutely sensational, averaging 29.4 points per game while shooting 54.3% from the field and 40.0% from 3-point range. He has scored 27 or more points in nine of those 12 contests, carrying the offensive load for a Clippers team that desperately needs him healthy.
Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Raptors due to a left ankle sprain. Leonard suffered the injury back on March 14 against the Sacramento Kings and missed the Clippers’ next game against the San Antonio Spurs. He then returned to play in the front end of a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans, but the Clippers held him out of the second game as a precautionary measure.
Leonard is averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists this season while shooting 50.4% from the field. His presence on the court completely changes the dynamic for Los Angeles, especially against a Raptors team at 40-31 fighting to maintain its hold on the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The matchup carries extra weight given Leonard’s history with Toronto, where he led the franchise to its only championship in 2019 before departing for the Clippers in free agency.
The Clippers and Raptors met once earlier this season, on Jan. 16, with Los Angeles winning 121-117 in overtime. Leonard was out for that game, so tonight represents his first opportunity to face his former team this season.
Given his recent track record of playing through the ankle issue and his strong performances when he does suit up, the smart money is on Leonard gritting through the pain once again for what promises to be an emotional and competitive clash.
