Kawhi Leonard Targeting January 4 Return Following Knee Injury

The Clippers star forward has not played this season but could return next week if recovery benchmarks are met.

Kawhi Leonard is reportedly aiming to make his season debut on January 4 in a home game against the Atlanta Hawks, pending further progress in his recovery.
Leonard has been sidelined due to ongoing inflammation in his right knee, which required an offseason procedure and led to his withdrawal from Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The 33-year-old returned to practice earlier this month and recently participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage, but the Clippers are proceeding cautiously with his recovery.
Despite Leonard's absence and the offseason departure of Paul George, the Clippers have maintained a competitive 17-13 record, currently placing them seventh in the Western Conference standings.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and six-time All-Star, is expected to significantly bolster the Clippers' playoff aspirations if he can stay healthy.