On Friday, the Sacramento Kings (5-3 and winners of 5 of their last six games) host the Los Angeles Clippers (4-4). In the past, the two California-based teams have had some riveting battles. In fact, one Friday in February of 2023, the two teams engaged in an intense double overtime game that ended with the Kings coming out on top 176-175.
However, the availability of a major player in that story, Kawhi Leonard (who scored 44 points in that game), is not guaranteed. So, is Leonard playing? Who will be available for the Kings? In this post, we breakdown the entire injury report heading into this divisional clash.
Kawhi Leonard Injury Status
Unfortunately, Leonard will not be making his season debut against the Kings (if you are a fan of the Kings, you may consider yourself fortunate, though). Prior to the start of the 2024-25 regular season, it was reported that Leonard would be out indefinitely as he rehabilitates from inflammation in his right knee (the same knee that caused him to drop out of the 2024 Olympics).
Earlier this week, it was announced that this week (the week of November 3) would not be the week that Leonard would be returning to the lineup.
Ty Lue says Kawhi Leonard will not play this week.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 5, 2024
Other Los Angeles Clippers
Outside of Leonard, Mo Bamba is also out with a knee injury. P.J. Tucker will not be playing, either. However, that is not because of injuries. In late October, it was reported that Tucker will not be with the team moving forward (per Joey Linn of Sports Illustrated).
Sacramento Kings Injury Report
After missing two games this week with illness, Kevin Huerter made his return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors (aka the Keon Ellis game). Huerter is not on the injury report. So, look for him to maintain his usual role as the team's starting shooting guard against the Clippers.
Unfortunately, the Kings will continue to be without their 2024 first round pick, Devin Carter (shoulder), and their free agent acquisition, Orlando Robinson (MCL).
After their game against the Clippers, the Kings will travel to Phoenix to play against the red hot Phoenix Suns (7-1) on Sunday, November 10. This game marks their biggest challenge of the season up to this point.