Los Angeles Clippers provide Kawhi Leonard injury update ahead of Timberwolves clash

The Los Angeles Clippers are set to welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to California on Thursday night, but uncertainty surrounds the availability of Kawhi Leonard heading into the matchup.

The Clippers enter the contest after suffering a narrow 111-109 defeat at home against the Orlando Magic. Despite the setback, Leonard delivered an outstanding individual performance. The star forward poured in 37 points while also contributing eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. He shot an efficient 14-of-25 from the field and went 2-of-7 from beyond the arc across 33 minutes of action, nearly willing his team to victory.

GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 20, 2026: LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) questions a foul call against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

However, there is now concern about whether Leonard will be able to suit up against Minnesota.

Leonard listed as questionable

According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Leonard is officially listed as questionable due to ankle soreness. Murray noted that the two-time Finals MVP carried the same designation prior to Sunday’s game against Orlando but ultimately played. Leonard reportedly participated in practice this week, which suggests optimism about his chances of taking the court.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 4: LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) laughs on the bench during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Intuit Dome on February 4, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images)

Murray added that it would be somewhat surprising if Leonard were unable to play against the Timberwolves, especially considering he currently has a four-game cushion when it comes to meeting award eligibility requirements this season.

The Clippers also released their full injury report ahead of the matchup. Alongside Leonard’s questionable status (left ankle soreness), John Collins is also listed as questionable due to a head laceration and neck soreness. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal has been ruled out with a left hip fracture, and Darius Garland remains sidelined for injury management related to a left toe issue.

A strong 2025-26 campaign for Leonard

Leonard has managed to stay relatively healthy for much of the 2025-26 season, a positive development for both him and the franchise. Through 44 appearances, he is averaging 28.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He is shooting 49.4% from the floor and 38.1% from three-point range, numbers that underline his continued efficiency and all-around impact.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers complains to a referee against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half at Intuit Dome on February 04, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images)

Now in his sixth season with the Clippers, Leonard remains the focal point of the team’s success. Prior to joining the Los Angeles franchise, he spent time with the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors, capturing an NBA championship with each organization.

Despite Leonard’s strong individual production, the Clippers find themselves in a challenging position in the Western Conference standings. With a 27-30 record through 57 games, they currently occupy the 10th seed. The team is riding a two-game losing streak and has gone 5-5 across its last ten outings, highlighting their inconsistency.

Thursday’s matchup presents an opportunity to regain momentum, but Leonard’s health could play a significant role in determining the outcome.

Timberwolves present tough challenge

The Minnesota Timberwolves arrive in Los Angeles as one of the Western Conference’s top teams. They hold a 36-23 record across 59 games and currently sit in fifth place. Minnesota is just one game behind the Houston Rockets for the third seed, underscoring how competitive the race remains near the top of the standings.

GAME DAY AT @IntuitDome ‼️

🕖 7:00PM PT
🆚 @Timberwolves
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📺 @NBAonPrime
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📻 KLAC 570 AM, KWKW 1330 AM pic.twitter.com/Wm4FrgY57z

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 26, 2026

The Timberwolves have also proven to be a capable road team, posting a 16-12 record in 28 games away from the Target Center. After facing the Clippers, Minnesota will travel to Denver for a high-profile showdown with the Nuggets on Sunday.

As for the Clippers, they will remain at home following the Timberwolves game, hosting the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. So far this season, Los Angeles has compiled a 14-12 record in 26 home games at the Intuit Dome.

Tip-off for Thursday’s contest is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT. The game will be broadcast on NBA on Prime, with radio coverage available on KLAC 570 AM and KWKW 1330 AM.

With playoff positioning at stake and Leonard’s status uncertain, all eyes will be on the Clippers’ injury report leading up to game time.