Kawhi Leonard Manages Knee, Ankle Injuries as Clippers Push for Playoffs

Kawhi Leonard has been in and out of the Los Angeles Clippers lineup in February 2025, managing multiple lower-body injuries while the team fights for Western Conference position.

Leonard was ruled out for the Clippers' February 13 game against the Utah Jazz due to a right knee injury, according to FanDuel Research. Earlier in the month he had appeared on a clean injury report ahead of the February 6 contest against the Indiana Pacers after missing time with that same right knee issue. By late February he was also dealing with a left knee contusion and an ankle sprain that he had been playing through since suffering it against the New York Knicks.

Background

Leonard, 33, is in his sixth season with the Clippers and remains the team's primary offensive option when healthy. He has a long history of knee management: he missed the entire 2021-22 season after surgery to repair a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Load management and periodic absences have been a recurring theme in his tenure with the club.

This season the Clippers are in the thick of the West playoff race. Leonard's availability directly affects their ability to secure home-court advantage and make a deep postseason run. The team has not announced a long-term absence; instead, Leonard has been listed as day-to-day or out on a game-by-game basis.

Key Details

Sports Illustrated reported that the left knee contusion was suffered against the Detroit Pistons and that Leonard played through it for several games before the team began listing him as day-to-day. The ankle sprain, sustained in the matchup with the Knicks, was described as an injury he had been playing through. By February 26 he was cleared to return and was expected to play against the Chicago Bulls after missing the previous two games due to foot soreness.

The Clippers have not specified a single cause for the right knee issue that has flared at different points in February. The left knee contusion is described as separate from his prior right knee injuries. Team updates have focused on game-by-game status rather than a multi-week timeline.

Impact

When Leonard sits, the Clippers rely more heavily on Paul George, James Harden, and Norman Powell. The team's defensive ceiling and half-court execution drop without Leonard, who remains one of the league's most efficient high-volume scorers and a versatile defender. His sporadic availability also affects lineup continuity and rotation patterns heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Fans and analysts routinely search for "Kawhi Leonard" and "Clippers injury" to check his status ahead of tip-off. The Clippers typically release their injury report the day of the game, so status can change from "questionable" to "out" or "available" on short notice.

What's Next

Monitor the Clippers' official injury report and pregame announcements for each game. Leonard's pattern of game-time decisions is likely to continue unless the team announces a structured rest plan or a clearer timeline for any of his current ailments. Playoff seeding and the team's ability to keep him healthy for April will remain the main storylines around his status.