Clippers Working Kawhi Leonard Back Into Fold, Visit Hornets
The Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Hornets are both making adjustments, but the Clippers appear to be handling their challenges better. When the teams meet Friday night in Charlotte, Los Angeles will continue integrating Kawhi Leonard into the lineup, while the Hornets deal with the absence of LaMelo Ball.
Clippers Finding Momentum with Leonard’s Limited Minutes
The Clippers (29-15) secured a 128-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, improving to 7-3 in their last 10 games. Four Clippers scored at least 20 points, including Leonard and Norman Powell with 27 each.
Powell has been red-hot, scoring 20 or more points in 11 of the last 12 games. Meanwhile, Leonard continues to work within a 28-minute restriction after a late start to his season. Head coach Tyronn Lue admitted it’s been an adjustment balancing Leonard’s minutes, particularly late in games.
“It has been a little difficult,” Lue said. “We’re trying to get Kawhi back as fast as we can.”
James Harden, however, has struggled with turnovers, committing six in three of the past four games, including six in the first half against San Antonio. Lue said the team improved in handling full-court pressure in the second half.
Hornets Facing Offensive Struggles Without LaMelo Ball
The Hornets (10-36) lost their fourth game in five outings on Wednesday, falling 104-83 to the Brooklyn Nets—their lowest-scoring game of the season.
Charlotte played without LaMelo Ball, who is sidelined with an ankle sprain. The team will re-evaluate him in a week, which head coach Charles Lee considered a positive sign.

“You never know what could come from some of the evaluation… And so to hear a week, I think that is a good thing,” Lee said.
Charlotte is also without rookie Brandon Miller for the season and center Mark Williams remains out. That has placed a heavier burden on Miles Bridges, who has averaged 22.1 points per game over his last nine outings.
Moussa Diabate has provided energy on the boards, stepping in for Williams.
“I’m just trying to play hard and give everything I have,” Diabate said.
Key Matchups and Storylines
- Kawhi Leonard vs. Hornets’ Defense: Leonard’s limited minutes haven’t stopped him from being impactful. Can Charlotte contain him?
- Norman Powell’s Scoring Surge: With 20+ points in 11 of 12 games, Powell has been a difference-maker for the Clippers.
- Hornets’ Offensive Struggles: Without Ball, Charlotte needs Bridges and others to step up.
Game Outlook
The Clippers are trending up, while the Hornets are searching for answers without their star playmaker. Charlotte is just 1-3 on its nine-game homestand and must improve its offensive execution.