The Los Angeles Clippers are bracing for a challenging trip to Boston on Sunday as they prepare to face the Celtics without one of their marquee players. Kawhi Leonard remains sidelined, dealing with a sprained right foot and ankle, leaving the Clippers shorthanded and their season narrative further complicated.
Injury Report: Key Absences in L.A.
Leonard’s injury troubles are not new, but this time the Clippers say his condition is more serious than initially hoped. Team president Lawrence Frank confirmed that inflammation in his ankle has delayed his return, and medical staff are not yet ready to ramp up his court work.
Ty Lue echoed the cautious approach, noting that Leonard is “making progress” through treatment but that any comeback must come slowly.
Adding to the Clippers’ woes, guard Bradley Beal has been ruled out for the rest of the season following hip surgery.
His absence deprives L.A. of another offensive weapon, forcing a heavier reliance on James Harden, John Collins, and the supporting cast.
According to ESPN’s pregame report, Leonard is listed as “day to day.”
That ambiguity makes it difficult for the Clippers to set a consistent rotation or tactical plan, particularly on this tough road swing.
How the Celtics Matchup Shapes Up Without Leonard
The return to Boston is always a high-stakes prospect, and this time, the absence of Leonard significantly shifts the balance. Boston, already navigating its own injury challenges (notably, Jayson Tatum remains sidelined with an Achilles issue), may see this as an opportunity.
Without Leonard, the Clippers’ two-way anchor and on-court leader, they’ll lean heavily on Harden’s playmaking and scoring. Harden was on fire in their last outing putting up 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in a double-overtime win over Dallas.
But Boston’s depth and home-court presence could exploit L.A.’s current vulnerabilities, especially if the Clippers struggle to contain perimeter threats or generate efficient offense in the halfcourt.
Defensively, Leonard’s absence is just as damaging. He often serves as a stabilizing force on the wing, guarding top forwards and disrupting opponents’ offensive flow. Without him, the Clippers’ rotations could be exposed, particularly if role players don’t step up in his stead.
Outlook: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Risk
In the short term, missing Leonard for a high-profile game like this is a significant blow. The Clippers are already navigating a rough stretch, and his absence could delay any momentum they build. They may be able to lean on Harden, Collins, and maybe fringe contributors to patch the gaps but that’s not a sustainable strategy for competing at the highest level.