The Clippers could face an injury problem at the worst possible time. With less than two weeks left in the 2023-24 regular season, All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard is dealing with right knee pain.
Leonard, who underwent surgery to repair a torn right meniscus last offseason, has been largely available for Los Angeles this season. The two-time Finals MVP appeared in 68 of the Clippers’ first 74 games before knee soreness forced him to return to Los Angeles for treatment as the team completed a four-game road trip.
The Clippers now return home for a crucial matchup against the defending champion Nuggets. Will Leonard be available?
Here’s what you need to know about Leonard’s status now and in the future.
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Will Kawhi Leonard play tonight?
The Clippers have included Leonard as out for Thursday’s game.
“We hope so, but we’re not sure right now,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said. saying earlier in the week when asked about Leonard’s availability against the Nuggets. “I hope he’ll be back on Thursday, but we’re not sure yet.”
According to Lue, Leonard first experienced discomfort after Los Angeles’ victory over Charlotte on Sunday, March 31. He traveled back to Los Angeles while the team traveled to Sacramento for a meeting with the Kings on Tuesday, April 2.
The news comes as Los Angeles seeks to retain fourth place in the West to have the home court in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Clippers have a very small margin for error with the Mavericks and Pelicans lurking in the final seven games of the season.
Despite nagging injuries, Leonard has returned to an All-NBA level this season. He scored 23 points in Sunday’s win over the Hornets and is averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists on the season.
What channel are Clippers vs. Nuggets?
- Date: Thursday, April 4th
- Television channel: TNT/truTV
- Live broadcast: Sling
Thursday’s game between the Clippers and Nuggets will air on TNT and truTV. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home of sports fans and offers a variety of sports channels so you can always cheer on your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
Clippers vs. Nuggets start time
- Date: Thursday, April 4th
- Time: 10 pm ET | 7 pm Pacific Time
Clippers vs. Nuggets is scheduled to kick off around 10 pm ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Clippers 2023-24 Schedule
The Clippers have seven regular season games remaining, six of which will be played at home. While Los Angeles has a busy home schedule, it has two consecutive games remaining, an important note regarding Leonard’s availability.
| Date | Adversary | Time (ET) | national television |
| April 4 | against nuggets | 10 p.m. | TNT/truTV |
| 5th of April | against jazz | 10:30 pm | — |
| April 7 | against knights | 3:30 pm. | — |
| April 9th | in soles | 10 p.m. | — |
| April 10th | against suns | 10:30 pm | — |
| April 12th | against jazz | 10:30 pm | — |
| April 14th | against rockets | 3:30 pm | — |
