Despite what many viewed as a strong offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers haven’t opened the season well. They enter Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 5-11, with injuries playing a significant role in their struggles.
They still have a chance to turn things around, and those odds just improved with Kawhi Leonard reportedly being cleared to play.
Will Kawhi Leonard Play Against the Cavaliers?
Leonard missed 10 straight contests because of a sprained ankle, but that lengthy absence is set to end.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year will make his return when the Clippers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, according to insider Chris B. Haynes.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard (foot) is expected to make his return Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers after missing last 10 games, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/z9TSMJ71qj
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 22, 2025
And the Clippers announced Monday that he would start alongside James Harden, Kris Dunn, John Collins, and Ivica Zubac.
Leonard’s career has been plagued by numerous injuries, which have sidelined him for extended periods over the past several seasons. He played in each of the Clippers’ first six games, easing concerns about his health.
In those six outings, he looked as sharp as ever. He averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists, and showed his trademark defense with 2.5 steals per game. The Clippers went 3-3 before his injury, which led to his 10-game absence.
Since he was sidelined, the Clippers have fallen well below .500. They went 2-8, including a five-game losing streak from Nov. 4 through 12. Both wins came against teams that also started slowly — the Charlotte Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks.
Leonard’s return comes at an ideal time, giving the Clippers an answer to the high-powered offense of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
He will also help ease the offensive burden on James Harden, who has delivered a string of stellar performances.
While Leonard was out, Harden averaged 32.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and 8.2 apg. That stretch included two massive triple-doubles: one in their Nov. 10 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, where he finished with 35 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, and another in their win against the Mavs on Nov. 14, when he erupted for 41 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.
Harden also delivered a blistering performance Saturday against the Hornets, scoring a franchise-record 55 points to snap a three-game skid.
With Leonard now cleared to play, Harden could see a slight dip in his scoring. However, that’s a welcome adjustment, as it means the Clippers’ two All-Stars are back on the court together.
