The regular season might be slowing down, but for teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers, the real work is just beginning. Each and every game now carries the weight of postseason consequences, and with the playoffs around the corner, one question matters more than most: Who’s available when it matters most?
Tonight, the Clippers are facing off against the Pelicans at the Intuit Dome, and it’s serious business. The stakes? High. The pressure? Even higher. While the Pelicans are low-key down bad with injuries and already out of the playoff race, the Clippers are clawing for seeding in a crowded Western Conference race. But let’s be real—for fans and analysts alike, one name looms largest ahead of tip-off: Kawhi Leonard.
Clippers Injury Report: Leonard Likely In, But Team Depth Might Take a Hit
The good news for Clippers fans is that Kawhi Leonard is expected to suit up tonight. After sitting out the March 30 game for rest and returning the next day, ‘The Klaw’ is listed as likely available. There have been no recent setbacks, and unless something unexpected occurs pre-game, the star forward should be on the court against the Pelicans.
That said, Los Angeles is far from fully healthy. Amir Coffey and Jordan Miller are both ruled out due to knee and hamstring injuries, respectively. Ben Simmons, still dealing with lingering knee trouble, is questionable and could miss another game after being inactive on March 31.
Seth Lundy rounds out the list as a game-time decision due to an ankle issue. While none of these players are major rotation fixtures like Leonard or Harden, the cumulative absences impact the team’s flexibility—especially defensively and in second-unit rotations.
Playoff Race Tightens as Clippers Can’t Afford Any Missteps
The Clippers currently sit in the 8th spot in the Western Conference with a 43-32 record. That puts them in dangerous play-in territory. With the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves barely ahead, every game could mean the difference between a first-round matchup or a win-or-go-home scenario.
A win tonight doesn’t just pad the standings—it sets the tone. And against a depleted Pelicans squad missing Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, Dejounte Murray, and more, the Clippers have a golden opportunity to capitalize. But history says it’s never that simple.
The Pelicans have had the Clippers’ number in recent years, winning 12 of their last 15 meetings. Even this season, New Orleans took their only game on March 11 with a 127-120 win. Granted, tonight’s version of the Pelicans is far from full strength, but the Clippers can’t rely on history flipping without execution.
Leonard’s presence will be key—but so will focus. With bench depth thinned, Norman Powell will need to step up. If Ben Simmons sits, ball-handling duties may shift even more toward Harden, who has unfortunately had to manage his way through his own rhythm struggles recently.
What’s more, the Clippers have financial implications tied to postseason success. A higher seed not only improves games but could impact offseason roster decisions and extensions. This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about the business of winning.
In short, yes—Kawhi Leonard is expected to play. But for the Clippers, availability is just the beginning. Execution, urgency, and capitalizing on opportunity will determine whether tonight marks a step forward—or another frustrating chapter in an unpredictable season.
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