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Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to return from a knee injury on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Sources: Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard (knee) is expected to make his season debut on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/OXuwUYlrA5
Leonard has been out all season. The listed reason on the NBA injury report has been “right knee; injury recovery.”
On Dec. 27, Leonard posted a cryptic video that seemed to indicate his return would come soon.
Kawhi Leonard @Way2Whi
The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding 🖐🏾#kawhileonard #KL2 pic.twitter.com/CSGl4HqY9T
Law Murray of The Athletic then reported that the Clippers were targeting Jan. 4 at home against the Atlanta Hawks for Leonard’s return to the court.
Right knee inflammation forced Leonard to miss the final eight regular-season games of the 2023-24 season as well as four of the Clippers’ six first-round playoff games against the Dallas Mavericks.
Leonard suffered a torn right ACL in the 2021 postseason that forced him to sit all of 2021-22. He also suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. Thankfully, he was ready for the 2023-24 season opener.
Leonard is an immensely talented player with six All-Star recognitions, six All-NBA team honors, seven All-Defensive teams, two NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards to his name. He averaged 23.7 points on 52.5 percent shooting, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals last year. So obviously, the Clippers need him to have a chance at a championship run.
Without him, though, James Harden has still adeptly run the offense, with Norman Powell breaking out to lead the team in scoring.
