Kawhi Leonard Leads Clippers’ Inactive List Against Pistons as Losing Streak Continues

The Los Angeles Clippers will be without several key players as they look to end a two-game losing streak on Monday against the Detroit Pistons. Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Ben Simmons are set to miss the road game, which comes on the second night of a back-to-back.

Leonard is dealing with left foot soreness, while Powell is tending to left knee patellar tendinopathy.

Los Angeles has listed Simmons as out due to left knee injury management. The three-time All-Star has not played in back-to-back games this season, following back injuries that shortened his last two campaigns.

Kawhi Leonard among several Clippers sidelined for Pistons matchup

The Clippers risk slipping into the Western Conference play-in tournament after a 3-5 stretch. During this span, Tyronn Lue’s team ranks 16th in offensive efficiency and 19th in defense. In Sunday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles struggled defensively, allowing 129 points on 54.8% shooting (46-of-84) while giving up 31 assists and forcing only 12 turnovers.

Leonard was sidelined against the Pacers due to a foot injury. He has played in 16 of 22 games this season after missing the early portion while recovering from a right knee issue. The six-time All-Star is averaging 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 46% from the field, 38% from three, and 83% from the free-throw line in 26.4 minutes per game.

Powell has missed the last two games for Los Angeles due to a knee injury. The 31-year-old has been one of the league’s most improved players this season, putting up 24.2 points per game while shooting 50% from the field, 43% from deep, and 82% from the free-throw line. Among 105 players attempting over five three-pointers per game, he leads the league in three-point percentage at 42.8% over three appearances.

Simmons has taken on a key role with the Clippers’ second unit following his buyout from Brooklyn. The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 8.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.0 steals in 23.7 minutes per game.

James Harden is set to take on a significant offensive role against the Pistons, especially with Leonard, Powell, and Simmons out of the lineup. In Sunday’s loss, Harden logged 31 minutes, scoring 31 points and dishing out 11 assists. He shot 9-of-17 from the field, 6-of-13 from beyond the arc, and was 7-of-9 from the free-throw line.

Meanwhile, the Pistons are entering Monday’s game riding a six-game winning streak.