Kawhi Leonard's injury status for Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets - Is the Los Angeles Clippers star playing tonight? (April 29, 2025)

The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets are locked in a 2-2 tie in their playoff series, making Game 5 a pivotal moment for both teams. With home-court advantage shifting back to Denver, the Clippers face a must-win scenario to avoid an uphill battle in Games 6 and 7. The big question ahead of tip-off: Will Kawhi Leonard suit up?

Good news for the Los Angeles Clippers fans—Kawhi Leonard is officially available for Game 5. After years of injury setbacks, Leonard has stayed relatively healthy this postseason, and the Clippers’ clean injury report means their roster is at full strength.


- Kawhi Leonard: Available
- Rest of the roster: No injuries reported

- DaRon Holmes II: Out (right Achilles surgery)
- Russell Westbrook: Questionable (inflamed left foot)
- Michael Porter Jr.: Probable
The Nuggets’ injury concerns tilt the scale slightly in the Clippers’ favor, but Denver has proven resilient even when short-handed.

The Clippers blew a 22-point lead in Game 4, allowing Aaron Gordon’s buzzer-beating dunk to seal their fate. Despite the loss, Leonard remained unfazed, calling it a "best-of-three series now." For the Clippers to regain control, they’ll need to avoid another slow start.

- Leonard and Harden’s form: Leonard averages 26.5 PPG this series, while Harden adds 21.3 PPG.
- Defensive adjustments: Preventing Denver’s early scoring runs will be critical.
- Bench contribution: With Westbrook questionable, the Clippers’ depth could be decisive.

The Nuggets’ injury woes add pressure to Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, who must carry a heavier load if Westbrook is limited. Meanwhile, Porter Jr.’s probable status offers some relief, but the Clippers’ healthy roster gives them a tactical edge.
- A Clippers win puts them one game away from advancing.
- A loss forces them to win two straight, including a Game 7 in Denver.
Also read: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star (April 29, 2025)
With both teams fighting for momentum, Game 5 could come down to the final possession—just like Game 4.