Kawhi Leonard’s possible return is definitely a hot topic right now, and it could seriously shake up the NBA. After months on the bench due to a knee injury, Leonard is back in practice, which means his comeback might be sooner than expected. This isn’t just another player returning to the court—this could be a game-changer for the Clippers and the entire Western Conference. With the Clippers already showing potential, Leonard’s return could give them the push they need to compete at the highest level.

But it will not happen until Friday for sure.

According to Law Murray of The Athletic, the 6x All-Star has been ruled out for the match against the Warriors on 28th December. The 2x NBA Champion made a significant leap earlier this month, jumping into full-contact five-on-five practice. Ty Lue has been clear with reporters, saying Leonard is progressing well and hitting all the necessary milestones before getting back on the court. However, Lue and the Clippers emphasize that Leonard needs to log a few more five-on-five sessions before making his return.

Now, if the Clippers decide to bring Kawhi back for their Dec. 30 matchup with the Pelicans, that gives him about a week to get in 3-4 more practices. So, yeah, don’t get too hyped just yet, but the countdown is definitely on!

The Clippers have managed to stay afloat without Leonard, but his return has the team fired up.

James Harden couldn’t hide his excitement when talking about Leonard being back on the court. “Great,” Harden said. “It’s Kawhi Leonard. We’re gonna be more excited to have him when we full practice… He’s inching his way back towards the court… Whenever he’s ready, we’re ready for him.” added Harden after a practice last week.

In Leonard’s absence someone else has stepped up.

Norman Powell comes in clutch amidst Kawhi Leonard’s absence

Norman Powell has been an unexpected star for the Clippers this season, helping keep them competitive in the unpredictable Western Conference. Powell, a former Sixth Man of the Year finalist, has leveled up his game, becoming one of the team’s most reliable players. With a history of strong bench players, the Clippers have seen three different players win the Sixth Man award five times since 2014, and Powell is on the rise to be next.

At 31, Powell’s consistency as a scorer is impressive. Last season, he averaged 13.5 points while shooting 48.6% from the field and 43.5% from beyond the arc. The season before, he bumped those numbers to 17 points per game. This year, Powell has stepped up even more, averaging 23.9 points in 22 starts, leading the team in scoring with a nearly 50% field goal percentage and 47.2% from three.

With Kawhi Leonard still working back to full strength, Powell has shouldered a heavier load. He’s smart about his shot selection, and his offensive efficiency is keeping the Clippers in the mix. Once Leonard returns, Powell’s numbers may dip a bit, but his role will still be vital.

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With Powell and James Harden both averaging over 22 points, the Clippers can afford to ease Leonard’s workload. Powell’s growth this season makes him an essential part of their plans for both the regular season and the postseason.