LA Clippers Injury Report: Get the latest on Kawhi Leonard and others

Los Angeles Clippers return home Sunday night aiming to steady their season as they host the New Orleans Pelicans in a pivotal Western Conference clash. With Los Angeles sitting at 27-31 and New Orleans at 19-42, both teams enter the matchup battling inconsistency — and injuries.

While the game carries playoff positioning implications for the Clippers, availability may ultimately shape the outcome.

Kawhi Leonard set to return

All eyes were initially on Kawhi Leonard after he missed Thursday’s home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves due to left ankle soreness. However, there is positive news for Los Angeles.

Leonard is not listed on the injury report and is expected to return to action Sunday, despite missing Saturday’s practice with an illness. His presence provides a significant boost for a Clippers squad that struggled to generate consistent offense in his absence.

In Thursday’s defeat, Derrick Jones Jr. paced the team with 18 points, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 14 points and six rebounds. Still, Los Angeles Clippers lacked their usual late-game control without Leonard on the floor.

Key question marks: Collins and Garland

Forward John Collins remains questionable due to a head laceration and neck soreness. If he is unable to suit up, it would mark his third consecutive missed game. His absence would likely expand roles for Nicolas Batum, Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller as Los Angeles adjusts its rotation.

Meanwhile, Darius Garland has been ruled out due to toe injury management. Though sidelined Sunday, Garland is reportedly expected to make his team debut on Monday — a development that could reshape Los Angeles Clippers’ backcourt dynamic moving forward.

Adding to the long-term injury concerns, Bradley Beal will miss the remainder of the season, removing another experienced scoring option from the equation.

Pelicans outlook and Zion watch

On the other side, New Orleans enters the contest following a road victory over the Utah Jazz. Saddiq Bey delivered a standout 24-point performance in that win, while Jeremiah Fears added an 18-point, 11-rebound effort off the bench.

As for Zion Williamson, his status remains central to any Pelicans injury discussion, given his history of availability concerns. With both teams navigating roster uncertainty, depth and execution will be critical.