Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Clippers Announce Kawhi Leonard News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 5:32 PM ET

Kawhi Leonard played 38 minutes for the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday against the New York Knicks. The six-time All-Star logged 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting, three rebounds, four assists, three steals and three triples, which still wasn’t enough as the Clippers suffered a 123-111 loss at Madison Square Garden.

L.A. is back in action on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, and Leonard’s status for that one is now up in the air. This is after the 6-foot-6 small forward was added to the injury report with an ankle problem. At this point, Leonard could be forced to sit out Friday’s road game in Brooklyn.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up prior to game four of round one of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Leonard has played 20 straight games for the Clippers, which has been pivotal in L.A.’s recent run. After a miserable start to the season, the Clippers have won seven out of their last nine games. At 13-23, they still have a long way to go, but this team has been on a heater of late.

Leonard, however, sustained an injury against the Knicks after stepping on a fan. He tweaked his ankle and is now in danger of missing time. On Thursday, the Clippers announced via the official injury report that Leonard is questionable to play against the Nets on Friday due to a right ankle sprain.

The fact that Leonard has been diagnosed with a sprain could be a cause for concern. Then again, it is important to note that the Clippers play twice in two nights, with a matchup against the Detroit Pistons scheduled for Saturday. It’s also possible that L.A. ends up resting the two-time NBA champion forward in the front end of a back-to-back set.

If Leonard ends up sitting out Friday’s game, then James Harden will be forced to carry a heavier load against his former team. The Nets will host the Clippers at Barclays Center, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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

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