Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight against Atlanta Hawks? Latest on LA Clippers star's anticipated return (Jan. 4)

Kawhi Leonard is questionable to make his 2024-25 NBA season debut on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. The LA Clippers superstar last played on Apr. 26, 2024, in Game 2 of the 2024 playoffs in a first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. Kawhi has been on the sidelines since, citing a right knee injury recovery.

He sustained the injury on Mar. 31 after a 130-118 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Kawhi had a right knee soreness and inflammation, which ruled him out until the playoffs. He wasn't 100% in the postseason, either. Kawhi joined Team U.S.A. briefly for their Olympics campaign but pulled out before they traveled to Paris because of an injury.

The same right knee required surgery after Kawhi injured his ACL in the 2021 playoffs. It forced him to miss the 2021-22 season and limited him to 52 games in 2022-23. He also played just twice in the 2022 playoffs for the Clippers.

After taking extreme precaution in his road to recovery, the Clippers could finally see Kawhi Leonard in action on Saturday. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Kawhi 'plans to play' despite a questionable status.

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Kawhi Leonard stats vs. Atlanta Hawks

Kawhi Leonard has played 16 games against the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists, shooting 51.3%, including 45.3% from 3. He has 13 wins against the Eastern Conference team. In his most recent game against the Hawks on Mar. 17, 2024, Kawhi dropped 28 points on 47.1% shooting in a 110-93 loss for the Clippers.

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How to watch Kawhi Leonard's season debut during Atlanta Hawks vs. LA Clippers?

NBA TV will nationally televise Kawhi's return during the LA Clippers' home contest against the Atlanta Hawks. FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and FanDuel Sports Network SoCal will provide coverage in local regions. Viewers outside the U.S. can catch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET at the Intuit Dome, the Clippers' homecourt.

The Clippers have held down the fort in Kawhi's absence to have a legitimate shot at a top-six finish in the Western Conference. They are 19-15 on the season, seventh in the conference standings ahead of Saturday's game. James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac have played crucial roles in the team's unexpected success.

With Paul George and Russell Westbrook gone, LA has a more well-rounded roster, which could allow Kawhi Leonard to play his natural game. It wasn't the case last year after he had to alter his game to ensure the Clippers stayed afloat with relatively smaller lineups and lack of depth.