Clippers Official: Kawhi Leonard Diagnosed with Left Knee Contusion + Inflammation, to Miss at Least Two Games

On January 19, the Los Angeles Clippers confirmed that Kawhi Leonard suffered a left knee contusion last Saturday, triggering inflammation. He will return to Los Angeles for treatment and will miss at least two upcoming road games against the Wizards and Bulls. His injury will be re-evaluated once the team is back in LA.

This left knee issue is not related to his previous surgeries but is a new injury. Earlier, Leonard had missed a game against the Raptors due to a right ankle sprain, which also ended his streak of 24 consecutive games played.

The Clippers’ season has seen significant ups and downs. During Leonard’s 20-day absence in November due to right ankle and foot injuries, the team went just 2-8. After his return, his first five games saw limited minutes under 35 per game, and the Clippers lost all five. However, since late December, Leonard has been in peak regular-season form, averaging 32.7 points with 50.7% FG, 44% 3P, and 91.6% FT, leading the Clippers to an 11-2 record over 13 games.

Even without Leonard, the Clippers overcame a 14-point first-quarter deficit and an 11-point fourth-quarter gap to beat the Raptors 121-117 in overtime. With long-term absences of Bogdanović, Jones, and Beal, plus Paul’s departure, younger players have stepped up. Rookie Sanders, two-way contract players Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller, along with Niederhauser and Christy, combined for 56 points in that game.

Before leaving the road trip, Leonard attended the opening ceremony of an indoor sports facility in Scarborough, Ontario. The Raptors legend, who led Toronto to their first NBA title and earned Finals MVP in 2019, was warmly welcomed by fans.