LA Clippers Injury Report: Is Kawhi Leonard Fit to Start? Key Guard Iffy as 5 Players Listed vs. Cavs (Nov. 23)

The LA Clippers have been handed a massive injury boost ahead of this weekend’s back-to-back games against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The good news is that Kawhi Leonard appears to be closing in on a comeback, which would be especially timely considering they play the LA Lakers next.

The star forward has not started any of the past 10 games since the dramatic 120-119 loss to the Miami Heat on Nov. 3, and he is currently recovering from a sprained ankle.

Head coach Tyronn Lue sais on Friday that the two-time Finals MVP has reached the stage where he was able to do a “few things” with the squad, adding:

“He’s definitely gotten better. I don’t know how long it’s going to be, but he’s definitely gotten better. Just seeing him on the floor yesterday was really good to see.”

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On Saturday, Clippers insider Chris Haynes confirmed that the 34-year-old is expected to suit up on Sunday, barring any last-minute changes.

Leonard’s absence was felt as they went 2-8 in the last 10 games, with defeats coming in both close contests and blowouts.

James Harden stepped up in his absence to help the LA outfit beat the Mavericks and the Hornets. The Beard produced a vintage performance, dropping 55 points in the Clippers’ 131-116 win over the Hornets to set a new franchise scoring record.

But Kawhi Leonard’s potential availability comes as a huge boost as the Clippers look to maintain their winning ways before facing the Lakers on Wednesday.

The six-time NBA All-Star appeared in six games before the injury, averaging 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

Elsewhere, the fitness of Bogdan Bogdanovic for the Cavs clash remains up in the air. The shooting guard sat out Saturday’s game due to a hip issue. The same goes for Jordan Miller, who missed his third straight game with a hamstring injury.

Derrick Jones also remains out as he nurses a sprained MCL. Bradley Beal is out with a season-ending ACL injury.

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How to watch LA Clippers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The non-conference matchup between the Clippers and Cavaliers will take place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Ohio. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. In the U.S., the game will be shown live locally on FSOH and FSSC. Fans can also stream the action on Fubo. International fans can watch via NBA League Pass.

Edited by Mervin LR