Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight against Golden State Warriors? Latest injury update on Clippers superstar (Dec. 27)

LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard has been recovering from a right knee injury. Head coach Ty Lue updated on the two-time NBA champion on Thursday after practice at the Intuit Dome ahead of Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors.

Ty Lue said that Kawhi Leonard had a successful practice and will miss the Clippers' next four games. He is thus ruled out against the Warriors and will not travel for their upcoming away games. He will stay back and practice with the Clippers' G League affiliate, the San Diego Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard is not expected to play in any of the San Diego Clippers' G League games. Instead, he will practice with them to aid his recovery. His possible return is projected to be Jan. 4 against the Atlanta Hawks, although this has not been confirmed by the Clippers.

'The Klaw' has been sidelined since the 2024 NBA Playoffs and although he took part in practice with Team USA ahead of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics he didn't make it to the tournament as he suffered a setback and hasn't featured for the Clippers this season.

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What next for Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers?

Kawhi Leonard's latest update will be good news for the Clippers fan base. Barring any setbacks, he is expected to feature prominently in the new year, which will be a boost to the Lakers front court and offensive threat.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33), forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and assistant coach Jay Larranaga on the bench in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The LA Clippers (17-13) are sixth on the hotly contested Western Conference standings after 30 games. In the last 10 games, they have an equal win-loss ratio and will be eager to make it two consecutive wins when they welcome Steph Curry and the Warriors to the Intuit Dome on Friday.

This will be their third meeting this season, with the Clippers victorious on both occasions. The 112-104 win at the Chase Center on Oct. 27 and the 102-99 home win at the Intuit Dome on Nov. 18.