By ESPN | Created at 2025-01-04 05:18:46 | Updated at 2025-01-06 08:10:46
2 days ago
Shams Charania, Senior NBA InsiderJan 3, 2025, 11:50 PM ET
LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard plans to make his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The Clippers upgraded Leonard to questionable Friday night, indicating he was set to return to action for the first time since April 26.
Leonard has been sidelined all season because of inflammation in his right knee. In early December, he returned to practice for the first time since last season.
The Clippers have had surprising success this season without Leonard, going 19-15, second in the Pacific Division. Veteran forward Norman Powell has stepped up for LA, leading the team with 23.6 points per game after averaging 13.9 last season.
Leonard, 33, played 68 games last season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
News of Leonard's plan to play Saturday was first reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes.
