Why is Kawhi Leonard Not Playing Tonight?
Kawhi Leonard is not playing tonight because he sprained his ankle during the last game against the Miami Heat.
He twisted his ankle late in that match. The team decided to sit him out. It's also the second game in two days for the Clippers, which makes them even more cautious.
Leonard usually doesn’t play in back-to-back matches when nursing even a minor injury. The injury is not serious but enough for the team to rest him. They want to keep him healthy for the long season.
He had been playing well before this happened. He scored 27 points in his last game and was showing strong form this season.
Without him, the Clippers miss his steady scoring and cool head late in games. They rely more on other players now.
There’s no announcement about how many games he’ll miss. For now, the ankle sprain keeps him out this match. The Clippers are keeping it safe rather than taking a risk.
If he feels better, he should return soon. The sit-out is about protecting him so he can stay available through the season.
So the short answer: He’s out because of an ankle sprain and because it’s a second straight game night.
Disclaimer:
Kawhi Leonard’s injury is being closely monitored by the Clippers' medical staff. While the sprained ankle is not serious, the team is prioritizing his long-term health and rest, particularly during back-to-back games. There is no set timeline for his return, but he could return soon if he feels better.
