The Clippers are running into injury issues at the worst possible time.
As the 2023-24 season winds down, All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard is now hobbled with a lingering issue. Early in a loss to the Timberwolves on March 12, Leonard exited the game — and the arena — with an ongoing back injury. He was limited to just 12 minutes of action.
After recovering from a torn meniscus suffered in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Leonard has had a relatively clean bill of health, appearing in 58 of LA’s first 64 games this season. Now, the All-Star could join an inactive list that includes Russell Westbrook, who is out after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left hand.
What does this mean for Leonard and the Clippers moving forward? Here is the latest on his back injury.
MORE: Why Kawhi Leonard exited Crypto.com Arena in the first half of Clippers-Timberwolves
What is Kawhi Leonard’s injury?
Leonard is dealing with thoracic spasms, which are spasms in the middle or upper region of the back.
It is an ongoing issue for Leonard, who entered Tuesday’s game with discomfort, according to Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue.
“He’s been dealing with it for a couple of days — back spasms,” Lue said. “Wasn’t sure if he was going to go this morning when he came to shootaround, got some treatment, did what he had to do and tried to get on the court and play today and it just didn’t loosen up for him.”
Leonard appeared to aggravate the injury early in LA’s loss to Minnesota. After connecting on a floater in the first quarter, Leonard awkwardly retreated on defense in apparent discomfort.
Leonard exited the game at the end of the first quarter and would not return. He reportedly left Crypto.com Arena to return home to rest.
MORE: Tracking missed games and eligibility for end-of-season awards
How long is Kawhi Leonard out?
Leonard, shockingly, is available to play in the Clippers’ game Thursday against the Bulls.
Leonard was listed as questionable on the injury report but given the ailment popped up two days prior, there was no expectation he would be ready to go.
Ahead of LA’s two-game road trip, Lue stated that he was “not sure” if Leonard would travel with the team. This answers questions about the severity of his back spasms and Clippers fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
Clippers upcoming schedule 2023-24
Four of LA’s next five games are on the road, including a back-to-back in Chicago and New Orleans.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| March 14 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
| March 15 | at Pelicans | 8 p.m. | — |
| March 17 | vs. Hawks | 9:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| March 20 | at Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
| March 22 | at Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
Kawhi Leonard stats 2023-24
- 23.7 points per game
- 6.2 rebounds per game
- 3.7 assists per game
- 1.7 steals per game
- 1.7 turnovers per game
- 52.3 percent field goal shooting
- 42.6 percent 3-point shooting
- 88.9 percent free throw shooting
