The Los Angeles Clippers are set to face a big match against the New Orleans Pelicans, and many wonder if Kawhi Leonard will play. Because this is not just another regular-season game; they are in the thick of the playoff race, so every win counts. Games like this could come down to the difference between locking in a top-six seed and getting stuck in the Play-In tournament.

We are all being honest when we say that when Leonard is on the court the Clippers just play differently. He’s the guy that changes the momentum, then delivers when it’s all on the line. The Clippers have the perfect opportunity to capitalize while the Pelicans are missing their key players. Of course, nothing with Leonard ever comes easy. He has had a rollercoaster season, plagued with injuries and unexpected blowouts. The Clippers, though, have a serious edge if he suits up. If not? Things get tricky fast.

That’s what makes this game so compelling. The Clippers need him, and when he’s locked in, he delivers. Just ask the Pelicans. Over his last five matchups against them, he’s averaged 23.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. And yeah, let’s not forget the 40-point explosion he dropped on them last April. If he’s playing, this could be one of those nights.

Clippers and Pelicans Injury Report

Good news for Clippers fans: Kawhi Leonard isn’t listed on the injury report. That usually means he’s ready to go, but with him, you never really know until tip-off. Another twist? Head coach Tyronn Lue might not be on the sidelines. He missed the last game with back pain, so if he sits out again, Brian Shaw will step in. Also, Norman Powell remains out with a hamstring injury, which takes away a key scoring option off the bench. Ben Simmons is also expected to be out due to a left knee injury.

The Pelicans? Their injury report looks a lot worse. Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum won’t play due to rest, a huge hit to their offense. Herbert Jones is done for the season with a shoulder injury, Brandon Boston Jr. is out with an ankle issue, and Jose Alvarado remains questionable with a hip problem.

Losing Zion and McCollum strips the Pelicans of their biggest offensive weapons. On paper, the Clippers should have the upper hand, especially if Leonard and Paul George take control. But underestimating this Pelicans team would be a mistake—they’ve found ways to stay competitive despite the setbacks.

Kawhi Leonard’s Rollercoaster Season

Where do we even start with Leonard’s season? It’s been anything but smooth. Back in October, doctors ruled him out indefinitely with knee inflammation, leaving everyone guessing about his timeline. Then, reports surfaced that he had undergone a knee procedure in September, adding even more uncertainty.

He ended up missing the first 34 games before finally making his return on January 4. His comeback wasn’t anything flashy—just 12 points in a win over Atlanta—but it was a step in the right direction. Then, just when it seemed like he was building momentum, another setback hit. The devastating Southern California wildfires forced him to step away from the team, pushing his return back even further.

By March, Leonard finally started looking like himself again. And for anyone who forgot how dominant he can be, his 33-point, 10-rebound performance against the Lakers earlier this month served as a reminder. When he’s healthy and locked in, very few players in the league can match what he brings to the floor.

Right now, the Clippers sit at 32-28, holding onto seventh place in the West. Not exactly ideal. If the season ends today, they will enter the Play-In Tournament. The goal? Climb into the top six. And the only way to make that happen is by stacking wins.

Momentum matters more than ever right now. The Clippers are coming off a wild 111-110 overtime win against the Kings, with James Harden nearly dropping a triple-double. If they bring that same energy into this game and take care of business against a depleted Pelicans squad, it could set the tone for a strong finish to the season.

And that’s really what it all comes down to. The Clippers need a win, but more importantly, they need Leonard to stay on the court and build consistency before the playoffs. If he plays like we know he can, the Clippers don’t just have a shot at avoiding the Play-In—they have a chance to make some serious noise in the postseason.

This isn’t just about one game—it’s about making a statement. If Leonard is healthy and in rhythm, the Clippers aren’t just fighting for a playoff spot. They’re fighting to be a real problem once they get there.