Clippers Announce Kawhi Leonard Injury Update for Pelicans Game

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Clippers Announce Kawhi Leonard Injury Update for Pelicans Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 7:10 PM ET

Kawhi Leonard was sidelined for the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday as they suffered a 119-115 loss to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

Leonard injured his ankle on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings. The seven-time All-Star left the game in the fourth quarter after tweaking his left ankle. Leonard was not able to return against the Kings and was also forced to miss L.A.’s next game due to the injury.

The Clippers are back in action on Wednesday. They face off against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road as L.A. looks to bounce back after back-to-back losses.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) against the Chicago Bulls.© William Liang-Imagn Images

Leonard has been nothing short of incredible for the Clippers this season. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year has played 53 games thus far, averaging a career-high 28.3 points on 50.1% shooting, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals in 32.3 minutes per contest. Leonard is also knocking down a career-best 2.6 triples per game on a 37.8% clip.

The good news for the Clippers is that they will get their star back for Wednesday’s matchup. The team announced ahead of tip-off that Leonard will play against New Orleans.

The Clippers have officially upgraded Kawhi Leonard to available tonight in New Orleans.

He ends up missing just one game with the ankle sprain.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 18, 2026

Leonard headed into Wednesday’s game with a questionable tag. However, he has now been given the green light to return after a one-game absence.

It is important to note that Wednesday’s matchup is the front end of a back-to-back set for the Clippers. They will face the Pelicans again on Thursday at Smoothie King Center.

L.A. enters Wednesday’s contest with a 34-34 record. As of writing, they are eighth in the Western Conference, but are just one game ahead of the ninth-seeded Golden State Warriors.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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