On Friday, the Sacramento Kings (5-3 and winners of 5 of their last six games) host the Los Angeles Clippers (4-4). In the past, the two California-based teams have had some compelling battles. In fact, on a Friday in February 2023, the two teams engaged in an intense double-overtime game that ended with the Kings coming out on top 176-175.

However, the availability of a key player in that story, Kawhi Leonard (who scored 44 points in that game), is not guaranteed. Is Leonard playing? Who will be available for the Kings? In this post we provide an overview of the full injury report leading up to this division battle.

Unfortunately, Leonard won’t make his season debut against the Kings (if you’re a Kings fan, consider yourself lucky). Prior to the start of the 2024-2025 regular season, it was reported that Leonard would be out indefinitely as he rehabilitates inflammation in his right knee (the same knee that caused him to retire from the 2024 Olympics).

Earlier this week it was announced that this week (the week of November 3) would not be the week that Leonard would return to the lineup.

In addition to Leonard, Mo Bamba is also out with a knee injury. PJ Tucker won’t play either. However, that is not due to injuries. It was reported in late October that Tucker will not be with the team moving forward (per Sports Illustrated’s Joey Linn).

After missing two games this week due to illness, Kevin Huerter returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors (aka the Keon Ellis game). Huerter is not on the injury report. So be sure to keep him in his usual role as the starting shooting guard against the Clippers.

Unfortunately, the Kings will still be without their 2024 first-round pick, Devin Carter (shoulder), and their free agent acquisition, Orlando Robinson (MCL).

After their game against the Clippers, the Kings travel to Phoenix to play the red-hot Phoenix Suns (7-1) on Sunday, November 10. This match marks their biggest challenge of the season so far.