Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will return to the lineup Sunday against the host Cleveland Cavaliers, multiple outlets reported Saturday.
The six-time All-Star has not played since Nov. 3 due to an ankle injury and will miss his 10th game on Saturday at Charlotte. The Clippers are 1-8 in his absence entering the game against the Hornets.
Leonard, 34, averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals in six games (all starts) prior to spraining his right ankle.
Injuries have hampered Leonard since the two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player joined the Clippers ahead of the 2019-20 season. He missed the entire 2021-22 campaign and was limited to 37 games last season with a knee injury.
Leonard owns career averages of 20.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals in 739 games (710 starts) with the San Antonio Spurs (2011-18), Toronto Raptors (2018-19) and Clippers. He won NBA championships with the Spurs in 2013-14 and in his lone season with the Raptors.
