Clippers make late change to Kawhi Leonard’s status ahead of Nuggets game: will he play?

Just hours before tip-off against the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Clippers have confirmed that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be available to play tonight. A late update to the official NBA injury report showed that Leonard is not listed as ‘doubtful’ as he was previously and is thus expected to suit up for Friday’s matchup at Ball Arena.

The designation marks a significant update after days of speculation around Leonard’s status. Throughout this season, the two-time Finals MVP has missed time here and there due to a niggling knee issue and the Clippers have been cautious with his minutes. Even so, he has been instrumental in LA’s recent surge, contributing at both ends of the floor whenever healthy.

Leonard’s presence will be a major boost for a Clippers squad riding positive momentum. Los Angeles has won an impressive number of its recent games, with Leonard and fellow star James Harden leading the way on offence and defence alike. That form has helped the Clippers climb back into contention in the competitive Western Conference.

For the Nuggets, the news comes as a mixed blessing. Denver enters the game fresh off a victory over Brooklyn and has its own injury considerations, including Nikola Jokic, who is questionable, but they will now have to prepare for Leonard’s two-way impact.

Kawhi Leonard has been one of the Clippers’ most productive players this season, ranking among the league’s scoring leaders with around 28 points per game, while also contributing roughly 6 rebounds and about 3 to 3.5 assists per contest in the 2025-26 regular season.

He has shot efficiently, hitting just under 50 percent from the field and showing effectiveness from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line.

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The Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets NBA game is scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, as part of the 2025-26 regular NBA season. The tip-off time is 9 p.m. Eastern Time at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

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