Kawhi Leonard is nearing his 2024-25 debut. The Los Angeles Clippers wing hasn’t appeared in a game this season because of the lingering knee injury that’s hindered him in recent years but is reportedly aiming to get back on the hardwood in January of 2025. The superstar two-way wing will rejoin a Los Angeles Clippers team that’s exceeded expectations without him following Paul George’s departure. How much can Leonard impact his team’s future?
The Clippers are far from legit contenders in the eyes of sportsbooks, as their title odds are +8000 at BetMGM. Nine teams are listed ahead of them in the Western Conference alone. Three other teams in the Pacific Division are in that group. There’s no telling how much or how often Leonard will play early on and toward the end of the regular season when the playoffs are approaching, but oddsmakers might be underestimating how good the Clippers are when he’s available.
Los Angeles has gone 154-75 straight up in games Kawhi Leonard has played in. Paul George was Leonard’s co-star for many of those games, but James Harden also boasts a 40-21 record when playing alongside Leonard. Say what you want about Leonard’s ability to stay available, but he wins games at a high level when active. Even a diminished version of his defensive prowess will help a Clippers team that’s giving up just 107.1 points per game to opposing teams. Only three teams have better scoring defenses this season.
Best bet: Clippers to Win the Pacific Division (+250, BetMGM)
Leonard doesn’t appear to be built for the long haul at this point in his career, so the idea of him making it through the playoffs unscathed is a little too daunting. However, he is capable of making a good Clippers team that’s even with the Lakers at 18-13 even better during the regular season. The Clippers have a clear path to win their division if Leonard plays significant minutes as a key member of the rotation in the back half of the season. Bettors are probably better served not banking on him going the distance in the postseason, though.
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