News - Kawhi Leonard Misses Ninth Straight Game As Clippers Face Magic

The Los Angeles Clippers will again be without several key rotation players as they prepare to face the Orlando Magic on Thursday. The team announced that Kawhi Leonard, Jordan Miller, and Derrick Jones Jr. are all ruled out, extending a frustrating stretch of injuries that has tested the Clippers’ depth early in the season. For Leonard in particular, the prolonged absence is becoming a growing concern. "Kawhi Leonard is out tomorrow against Orlando," reported Joey Linn on Wednesday. "It’s his ninth straight missed game." With Leonard sidelined (right ankle sprain), the Clippers continue to lean heavily on James Harden to carry the offensive load. The team has struggled to find consistency without its star forward, and each missed game adds more uncertainty about when Leonard will finally be able to return. His availability has always been a key factor in Los Angeles’ long-term outlook, and this latest stretch only amplifies the pressure. Leonard, 34, has missed most of the season, and his stats are down across the board to 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 50.5 percent shooting and 40.0 percent shooting from three. The Clippers are 4-10 on the season so far with no timetable for Kawhi’s return. This has been a recurring theme for the Clippers since Leonard arrived in 2019. He has been sidelined at times, and fans have expressed concern about his availability. The ongoing injury situation leaves the team in a challenging spot as they look to keep pace in a competitive league with playoff expectations. The franchise remains hopeful for a strong return from Leonard and for the rest of the lineup to rise to the challenge this season.