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?

Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight against the Denver Nuggets for Game 5 (April 29, 2025)?

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.

Los Angeles Clippers injury report for Game 5 (April 29, 2025)

Clippers eye advantage as Nuggets list Russell Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr. on Game 5 injury reporthttps://t.co/obmgdaVN2H

— Clippers Nation (@ClipperNationCP) April 29, 2025

- Kawhi Leonard: Available

- Rest of the roster: No injuries reported

Nuggets injury report

- 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.

Why Game 5 is crucial for the Los Angeles Clippers

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.

Key factors for the Clippers

- 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.

Can the Los Angeles Clippers capitalize on Denver’s weaknesses?

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.

With both teams fighting for momentum, Game 5 could come down to the final possession—just like Game 4.