Report: Kawhi plans to make season debut vs. Hawks
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard plans to make his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Leonard was upgraded from out to questionable Friday. The Clippers are "hopeful" that he'll play after they assess him in the morning, a source told Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
The 33-year-old has yet to play this season due to lingering inflammation in his right knee. Leonard underwent a third procedure on his knee in four years. He was originally part of Team USA's Olympic training camp but was ultimately held out of the tournament.
Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 68 games last campaign. He missed the final eight games of the regular season and only appeared in two contests during the postseason.
The Clippers have been able to withstand his absence, ranking seventh in the Western Conference with a 19-15 record.