Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard gestures after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LA Clippers guard John Wall, center, and forward Kawhi Leonard, right, sit on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, below, tries to shoot as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis fouls him during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard gestures after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES – Kawhi Leonard is returning and starting for the first time this season against the Detroit Pistons.
He has missed 12 straight games since coming off the bench in two of the first three games to begin the season. Leonard had been dealing with stiffness in his right knee, which was surgically repaired in July 2021. He missed all of last season while rehabbing.
Recommended Videos
He is averaging 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds this season. The Clippers have gone 8-7 in Leonard's absence.
“It's going to take Kawhi a little time to get back to the player we know,” coach Tyronn Lue said.
Paul George also will start against the Pistons despite a left hand contusion.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
