Clippers Announce Kawhi Leonard News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 16, 2026 7:57 PM ET

Kawhi Leonard is not playing on Friday night as the Los Angeles Clippers take on the Toronto Raptors on the road. Leonard was ruled out of the game with a right ankle sprain, marking the first time he’s sitting out after playing 24 straight games for L.A.

Leonard has been integral to the Clippers’ recent run. They have won 11 out of their last 13 games. During that stretch, the six-time All-Star averaged 32.7 points on 50.7% shooting, 6.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.6 steals and 1.0 blocks in 35.3 minutes per contest. Leonard also knocked down 3.9 triples per game on a 44.0% clip.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2)Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The bad news for the Clippers is that Leonard has been forced to sit out Friday’s game. The 34-year-old has been sidelined with a right ankle sprain, which is an injury that he has been nursing over the past couple of games.

As it turns out, that isn’t the only issue for Leonard. The Clippers announced that the two-time NBA champion forward is also dealing with a left knee contusion. The team revealed that Leonard sustained the injury in Saturday’s win over the Detroit Pistons, per Law Murray of The Athletic. Leonard is currently considered day-to-day.

The Clippers enter Friday’s game with a 17-23 record. They still have a long way to go before reaching the .500 mark, but they have been trending in the right direction of late. Leonard’s absence is a blow for L.A., especially if he misses more than one game.

Leonard, who has been playing through both a sprained ankle and a knee contusion, will get a couple of days of rest before the Clippers’ next game. His next chance to play will be on Monday against the Washington Wizards. That will be a back-to-back set for L.A., though, with a game against the Chicago Bulls scheduled for Tuesday.

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

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