Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers? | December 23th, 2022 | 2022-23 NBA Season

Kawhi Leonard is finding his rhythm with the LA Clippers after a disappointing start. He has played in seven of the team's last nine games, averaging 19.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, shooting 45.5% from the floor.

Leonard has played only 12 out of 23 games for the Clippers, so his availability over the last nine games is a solid boost. The Clippers are likely to continue resting him in one of the back-to-back games. LA will be happy to enter their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, December 23rd.

That's because Leonard isn't on the injury report, and they have a three-day break between this and their next game. LA has been 5-0 in "The Klaw's" last five appearances. The 76ers are also in solid form, having won six games in a row entering Friday's matchup.

The LA Clippers haven't had much competition in Kawhi Leonard's last five games. Only one opponent (the Boston Celtics) have been over .500 during that stretch. The game against the 76ers presents a solid opportunity for Ty Lue's team to test themselves against an in-form contending roster on the road.

---

A win would be tremendous for Kawhi Leonard and LA Clippers' confidence

The LA Clippers didn't seem like a threat at the start of the season, with superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George frequently missing games. However, since their respective returns, the Clippers have turned a corner. They are 19-14 right now, ranked fifth in the Western Conference, 1.5 games behind the top spot.

Leonard and George seem to have struck brilliant chemistry and rediscovered their rhythm after a torrid time dealing with their respective injuries. The Clippers have also had a fairly easy schedule during this recent stretch, allowing them the ideal time to prepare for an opponent like the 76ers.

Philadelphia is 6-0 during their current seven-game homestand, and they will be keen on finishing with a 100% record. James Harden and Joel Embiid have played at an elite level during this stretch, so the Clippers have their tasks cut out.

If they do bag a win and end the 76ers' winning run at home, Kawhi Leonard and company will put the rest of the league on alert and receive a solid confidence boost.