Is Kawhi Leonard available for Los Angeles Clippers Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons? (May 1, 2025)

The Los Angeles Clippers enter Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets in a must-win elimination scenario, but they’ll have their star forward Kawhi Leonard available. Leonard, who has been dealing with lingering knee inflammation throughout the playoffs, is cleared to play as the Clippers look to force a Game 7.

The Clippers dropped the last two games to the Nuggets, including a heartbreaking Game 4 loss on Aaron Gordon’s last-second tip-in dunk. In Game 5, the team struggled to keep pace with Denver’s backcourt duo of Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray, never leading after the opening minutes.
James Harden’s recent below-average performances have been a key factor in the losses. Harden, like Kawhi Leonard, is also listed as available for Game 6. The Clippers have no players on their injury report, giving them a full roster to lean on in the elimination game.


Meanwhile, the Nuggets will be without rookie DaRon Holmes II due to a right Achilles tendon repair. However, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic remains available and will be the focal point of Denver’s offense.

The game tips off at 10:00 p.m. EST at Intuit Dome, where the Clippers hope home-court advantage can help extend their season. Kawhi Leonard’s health and production will be critical as Los Angeles fights to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Clippers are fighting for survival, and Kawhi Leonard’s availability could be the difference in this do-or-die Game 6. Will he deliver a vintage playoff performance, or will the Nuggets’ depth prove too much for LA? With Jokic leading Denver and Harden needing to bounce back, this game promises high stakes and intense moments.
What do you think—can the Clippers force a Game 7, or is this the end of their playoff run? Drop your predictions and thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this with fellow NBA fans and keep the conversation going.