The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets meet tonight in Denver at 7:00 PM ET with star power hanging in the balance. The final NBA injury report at 3:15 PM ET listed Nikola Jokic as questionable with a left knee bone bruise and Kawhi Leonard as available after a late upgrade. The stakes are obvious: Denver has held strong without Jokic, but the two-time MVP’s expected return could tilt the floor, while the Clippers’ hottest run of the season keeps gathering steam with Kawhi back in the lineup.

The storyline adds urgency. Jokic hyperextended his left knee on December 29 against the Miami Heat and missed 16 games. Multiple reports indicated on Friday afternoon that he plans to suit up, setting the stage for a marquee West showdown and a quick turnaround into Sunday’s date with Oklahoma City. For Los Angeles, Leonard’s availability is a boost after a brief stretch of caution around his left knee. He missed three games two weeks ago and has been kept under 30 minutes lately, but his form has remained elite.

Where Jokic and Kawhi stand before tip-off

Officially, Jokic entered the day as questionable with a bone bruise in his left knee. Reporting suggests he intends to give it a go, which would mark his first appearance since late December. That could also keep him on track for NBA awards eligibility. As insider Shams Charania put it: “Denver’s Nikola Jokic – out since Dec. 29 with a knee injury – plans to return tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers at home… and be eligible for the season awards.” Jokic can miss only one more game under the 65-game rule, so every appearance matters from here.

On the other side, Leonard’s status shifted in the afternoon from questionable to available. He’s been on a remarkable scoring tear: at least 20 points in 25 straight games, joining Bob McAdoo, World B. Free, and Blake Griffin in Clippers history. The team itself shouted out the streak, noting his run since November 25. Leonard has averaged roughly 26–28 points per game this season with about six rebounds, three to three-and-a-half assists, 1.9 steals, 0.8 blocks, and three made threes per night. Even while shooting under 50% from the field recently, he’s been steady and decisive.

“If Jokic plays, Denver’s whole offense comes back to life in one night.”

Form guide: Clippers are surging, Nuggets stayed afloat

Denver is 32-16 and third in the Western Conference, a strong position considering the stretch without their do-everything center. They went 10-6 in the 16 games Jokic missed, leaning on defense, pace control, and the shot creation of Jamal Murray. Murray’s line speaks for itself: 22.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists. On a back-to-back after beating the Nets, the Nuggets still look like a team that knows how to win different ways.

The Clippers arrive as the league’s quiet flamethrower. They’ve won nine of their last 10 and 17 of their last 20. Through 46 games, they have 22 wins, and the arrow points up. With Kawhi back, Paul George humming, and a clear rhythm on both ends, Los Angeles has found a two-way identity built on switchable defense and efficient shot-making. Leonard’s minutes have been managed, but his late-game poise has been a separator.

“Kawhi’s 25-game 20-point streak is the quietest superstar heater in the NBA.”

Injury report beyond the headliners

Depth will matter on a back-to-back night for Denver. The Nuggets are still managing multiple injuries: Aaron Gordon (hamstring, out 4–6 weeks), Christian Braun (ankle), and Cameron Johnson (knee). Those absences stretch the rotation, especially on the wing, and put more playmaking on Murray if Jokic is limited.

For the Clippers, a handful of names remain out, thinning their own options: Derrick Jones Jr. (knee sprain), Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring since Dec. 26), and veterans Chris Paul and Bradley Beal are not with the team. That puts even more weight on the starters and on Leonard’s ability to set the tone early.

Why Jokic’s return changes the chessboard

With Jokic, Denver’s offense returns to its split-post actions, high-post facilitation, and inverted pick-and-rolls where shooters cut and finish. The Nuggets’ 10-6 mark without him is impressive, but nobody warps a defense like Jokic. His mere presence can turn spot-up shooters into threats and give Murray more airspace as a secondary creator.

It also affects how the Clippers defend. Expect more switching across the perimeter, late digs at the nail, and true team rebounding. Zubac’s positioning and help from the weak side will be key. If Jokic’s minutes are monitored, Denver will still need bench groups to tread water, especially against a Clippers second unit that has found confidence.

“If Kawhi controls tempo and the glass, L.A. can steal the back-to-back legs from Denver.”

Kawhi’s rhythm and the Clippers’ blueprint

Leonard’s streak is not just about volume; it’s about calm. The Clippers have leaned on late-clock shots, smart switches, and timely threes. Kawhi’s three-point rate (about 3.0 makes per game) gives spacing to the drive-and-kick game. If he’s kept under 30 minutes again, expect the Clippers to try to win the margins: transition defense, fouls drawn, and second-chance points.

What could swing it? Jamal Murray’s pace, plus Denver’s bench energy at home on a back-to-back. If Jokic looks comfortable, the Nuggets’ half-court machine hums. If he’s not fully ready or sees a minutes cap, the Clippers’ surge may carry the night.

What to watch tonight

• Jokic’s mobility and timing in his first game back; any minutes restriction.
• Leonard’s workload and whether his 20+ point streak stretches to 26.
• Murray’s two-man game with Jokic versus L.A.’s switching scheme.
• Denver’s legs on a back-to-back and how the bench holds up.
• Early fouls on either star bigs changing rotation patterns.

The bottom line

At 3:15 PM ET, the NBA’s official injury report had Jokic as questionable (left knee bone bruise) and Leonard available. Later updates suggested Jokic intends to return, which would supercharge this matchup and set up Sunday’s marquee against the Thunder while keeping him eligible under the 65-game standard.

The Nuggets proved they can win without Jokic, going 10-6 without their anchor. But the Clippers arrive in peak form, with Kawhi locked in and the team’s identity hardened. It’s strength versus strength in Denver, and tonight we finally get some answers.